Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller

This is a great way to do something very Iceland, without getting stuck in a big bus tour. You get a master distiller perspective on how gin actually gets made, plus you’ll taste the results in a way that makes the differences between styles click.

What I like most is how hands-on the session is, with time spent on the distillation equipment and the botanicals behind award-winning Marberg gin. The other big win is the human side, you’re not just watching, you’re talking, asking, and getting answers from the person driving the process. One thing to consider, it is a compact 1 to 1.5 hour experience, so if you want a long, slow tasting meal, this is probably not your match.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group, big attention: maximum 10 travelers, and it can feel intimate
• English offered: the tour runs in English and is easy to follow
• Marberg gin focus: learn what goes into Marberg, Thoran’s first product
• Tasting is built in: you’ll sample Marberg gin during the visit
• Personal stories from the owner: you can learn the startup and craft journey, not just facts
• Walkable, practical location: convenient for a downtown stay, near public transport

Entering Thoran Distillery, a short tour with a real payoff

If you like spirits, this tour is appealing because it is not vague. You spend your time on the actual making, then you taste, then you connect flavors to decisions. It is a smart format when you are on a tight Reykjavik schedule.

This one is also well-priced for what you get. At $39.99 per person, you are paying for guided instruction, a focused distillery visit, and included tasting, all without needing to squeeze in a whole day.

The vibe is casual and conversational. The master distiller and owner style comes through, including humor and relaxed talk about why they do what they do, not just how the machines work.

Price, timing, and why you should book early

The price is $39.99 per person, and the session runs about 1 to 1.5 hours. That timing is handy in Reykjavik, because you can fit it between other city plans without feeling rushed all day.

I also like that it’s easy to commit. Confirmation happens at booking time, you can use a mobile ticket, and the tour is capped at 10 travelers, so it stays focused.

One practical note: this tour is often booked ahead, averaging about 47 days in advance. If you’re traveling in peak season or on a tight itinerary, booking earlier is the safest move.

Stop 1 at Þoran Distillery: Marberg gin, botanicals, and the equipment

Your main stop is at Þoran Distillery, where you’ll learn what goes into making Marberg gin, Thoran Distillery’s first product. This is where the tour earns its keep, because it connects ingredients to the final taste.

Expect to see the distillation equipment and get an explanation of how it shapes the spirit. You’ll also hear differences between gin styles, which is great if you’ve only ever had gin as a standard pour with tonic. Suddenly, you can taste beyond juniper and start noticing structure and balance.

The botanical part matters because gin is not just one flavor. You get a clearer idea of what botanicals are doing, and why the same base spirit can taste very different depending on choices made along the way.

What to watch for during the visit

You might find it helpful to think of this tour like a guided tasting lesson. Ask questions as you go, especially about botanicals and style differences, because that’s where you’ll pick up the most.

Also, keep your expectations realistic. This is a compact distillery visit, so you will get focused answers rather than a full technical class.

Tasting Marberg gin: how to taste smarter, not just more

The tour includes tasting of Marberg gin, and the experience is designed to help you compare. You’re not only sampling, you’re learning how to notice the changes that come from style and presentation.

Based on real tour experiences, many groups end up trying multiple Marberg options, sometimes served neat and sometimes used in cocktail mixes. Some tastings may also include an additional Icelandic spirit like brennevin. If you care about variety, this is one reason the tour works well.

Here’s my practical advice for getting the most out of the tasting: slow down between samples. Instead of chasing the first pleasant flavor, take a moment to identify how it lands, for example, the aroma on the nose, the mid-palate spice, and the finish.

You can also use your own preferences as a guide. If you love gin and tonic, you’ll likely learn a lot here. If you are more of a cocktail person, the included mixed tastings are a good bridge.

Master distiller energy: getting the stories behind the gin

What makes this tour stand out is the access. You get the distiller’s perspective, including their motivation and how they built the business around the craft.

A standout detail from the tour experiences is how entertaining the host can be. One name that comes up is Biggie, described as a great host and someone who shares both gin production insights and personal startup context. That kind of storytelling turns a tasting into something you actually remember.

The tone is also humble and practical. You’re not getting a hard sell. You get a clear sense that the product matters, but so does the process and the people behind it.

Location in Reykjavik: harbor area convenience and an easy walk

Location is part of the value here. The distillery is in the Reykjavik area near the harbor, and it’s reported as a quick walk from downtown. That means you often can avoid complicated transfers.

You’ll also find it convenient that the tour is near public transportation. So even if you’re moving around Reykjavik for other activities, it’s not hard to slot this in.

This is a good choice when you want something city-friendly. It’s not out in the countryside, and it doesn’t require a long travel buffer.

Group size, format, and how intimate it really feels

The group limit is 10 travelers, and that small size changes the whole experience. You get more chance to ask questions, and the host can actually pace the tour around the group.

Some sessions can be very small, which is especially nice if you like a more tailored conversation. If you’re traveling as a couple or family group, this structure keeps things comfortable rather than turning into a lecture for a crowd.

The tour is also offered in English, which matters for Iceland experiences where the good stuff sometimes gets lost in translation. Here, you should be able to follow the explanations about gin styles and botanicals without constantly guessing.

Bottles to take home: practical souvenir shopping

If you end up falling for Marberg, buying a bottle is part of the story. Bottles are available for purchase, and people have taken bottles back to their lodging and beyond.

One helpful practical detail: travel-safe bottle protection has been mentioned, including air bag type packaging to help protect bottles on the way back. That’s the kind of small support that saves headaches, especially if you’re flying home.

My tip: decide in advance what you’ll buy if you love a specific style. Taste once, then taste again with a “what would I serve this with” mindset, because that usually leads to smarter purchases than grabbing a random bottle.

Price value check: what you get for $39.99

At $39.99, you’re not just paying for a drink. You’re paying for an hour-focused distillery experience, a guided walkthrough of equipment and botanicals, and included tasting of Marberg gin.

The value also comes from the small group size. If you’ve ever done tours where you barely get to ask anything, this avoids that problem by design. For me, that’s what makes the cost feel fair.

You also have flexibility in how you experience gin afterward. This tour can make you a better gin buyer. You’ll have a clearer idea of styles, so ordering in bars or picking bottles in shops becomes easier.

Who this tour is best for

This works best if you fit at least one of these boxes.

• You enjoy gin or want to stop guessing what you like
• You want a more personal distillery visit than a large-group format
• You like learning through tasting, not just reading menus
• You’re in Reykjavik for a short time and want a focused activity
• You’re a cocktail person and want to understand what makes gin behave differently

If you’re the type who wants hours of walking around a huge facility, this is not that. But if you want a tight, friendly, craft-first experience, it’s a strong match.

Should you book Thoran Distillery’s gin tour?

I’d book it if you want a small-group gin education that ends with real tasting, not a souvenir stop disguised as a tour. The master distiller access, the emphasis on equipment and botanicals, and the chance to learn how gin styles differ are the reasons to go.

Skip it only if you need a longer, more formal distillery experience or you prefer large-group entertainment over conversation. Otherwise, this is one of those Reykjavik activities that turns into a highlight because you leave knowing more than when you arrived.

FAQ

How much does the gin distillery tour cost?

The tour price is $39.99 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is in Reykjavik, Iceland, at Thoran Distillery, with the visit at Þoran Distillery.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is included in the tour ticket?

Admission ticket is included, and the tour includes a tasting of Marberg gin.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Do I need to print a ticket?

No, it’s a mobile ticket.

Is confirmation provided after booking?

Yes, confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.