Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller

Gin gets real when the distiller talks shop. At Þoran Distillery in Reykjavik, you learn how award-winning Marberg gin is built, from distillation gear to botanicals, then you taste what all that process creates. I especially like the small group size and the chance to hear a master distiller perspective instead of rushing through a scripted explanation.

One possible drawback: this is an alcohol-focused tasting, and the experience lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, so it is not the best fit if you want a mostly non-drinking museum-style stop.

Key points to know before you go

• Master distiller-led conversation focused on how Marberg gin is made and why gin styles differ
• Small group (max 10), which keeps things casual and lets you ask real questions
• Tasting plus cocktails built around Marberg gin, so you try it different ways
• Distillation equipment walkthrough that makes the science feel practical, not intimidating
• Central Reykjavík location that is easy to reach, with service animals allowed

Þoran Distillery in Reykjavík: an intimate gin lesson, not a lecture

This is the kind of tour that turns gin from a label on a shelf into something you can actually explain. The setting at Þoran Distillery is designed for close conversation, and that matters. When the group stays small, you get more than “here’s what gin is.” You get the why behind choices, from the distilling approach to the botanical thinking.

I also like that the focus stays narrow. There’s one main stop, and the goal is clear: you get educated and you taste. The tour runs about an hour to an hour and a half, so it fits neatly into a day of exploring Reykjavík without stealing your whole afternoon.

What makes this tour special: the Marberg gin mindset

Marberg gin is Thoran Distillery’s first product, and the tour is built around that single idea. You are not bouncing between multiple brands and histories. Instead, you learn the process as the distiller makes it make sense for their own style.

You’ll hear about:

• what goes into the gin-making process
• how distillation equipment is used
• how gin styles can differ
• what botanicals are used (without having to memorize a label)

That setup is helpful because gin can feel vague if you only taste it once. Here, you taste along the way, so the explanation lands while your palate is still getting warmed up.

And there’s a human side to it too. Several people have highlighted the owner’s personality and storytelling, including how they started and why they keep pushing the craft. It makes the experience feel local, not corporate.

Stop 1: Þoran Distillery tour and Marberg gin tasting

This is the whole show, and it’s where you’ll spend your time.

The equipment and distillation talk

You start with a look at the distillation equipment. Even if you have zero chemistry background, the tour format helps you connect the dots. The goal is not to test you. It is to show how the process supports the final flavor.

When a distiller explains equipment in plain terms, you start noticing patterns in the tasting later. For example, you may find that changes in approach show up as differences in aroma intensity, botanical balance, or how the gin finishes in your mouth.

Gin styles: how the same base spirit can taste different

Next comes the “why does this gin taste like this?” part. Gin styles can range from lighter and more floral to more bold and resinous. The tour doesn’t just say “one is better.” It helps you understand that botanicals, formulation, and distillation choices shift the profile.

If you have ever wondered why two gins that both say gin can taste completely different, this is where you get your answer.

Botanicals, and what you should pay attention to

The tour includes discussion of the botanicals used in their Marberg gin. Since the botanicals are tied to the brand’s style, you’ll be able to connect words like citrus, spice, or herbal notes to what you actually smell and taste in the glass.

Here’s the trick I recommend during tastings, since the tour is structured for it: take a second before you sip. Smell first, then sip slowly. Don’t try to win a contest. Just note what jumps out at you, and how the flavor changes as it sits on your tongue.

Tasting Marberg gin, plus cocktail pours

You end the stop with a tasting of Marberg gin. In practice, you should expect to try multiple expressions. Many groups get cocktails built around the different Marberg gins, which is a great move because gin tastes one way neat and another way in a mixed drink.

Some visits also include extra samples for people who are genuinely curious. If that happens when you are there, say yes. It’s often the best payoff: you get to compare more than one pour and learn how the distiller frames their own product range.

Buying a bottle, and taking it home without stress

One underrated part of this experience is that it is set up for purchases. People leave with bottles, and some have noted that the distillery offered travel-friendly packing help, like protective air bags, for taking bottles back home.

If you are the kind of traveler who likes one “save the trip” item from each city, this is a smart souvenir. A good bottle of gin keeps well and turns into an evening activity later, when you are back at your hotel or apartment.

Price and value: is $39.99 actually a good deal?

At $39.99 per person, this tour is priced like an activity that includes real access, not just a quick tasting flight.

Here’s why the value can feel strong:

• The admission ticket is included, so you are not paying separately for entry
• You get a hands-on, distiller-led walkthrough of how gin is made
• You taste Marberg gin, and you may get cocktail pours made with different Marberg expressions
• You’re in a group capped at 10, which supports more interaction

If you are already planning to taste a few gins anyway, the price feels easier to swallow. A lot of tastings in bars are either rushed or limited to one or two pours. This experience builds a sequence: explanation first, then tasting, then tasting again in drinks.

Also, the tone is casual. The tour is not trying to show off. That humility makes the whole thing feel worth your time.

Where it fits in your Reykjavík day: easy to reach, easy to schedule

The distillery is in Reykjavík and is near public transportation. People also describe it as a convenient walk from downtown, which matters in a city where weather can turn quickly.

Duration is about 1 to 1.5 hours, so it works well as:

• a mid-afternoon stop when you want something indoors
• an early evening activity to break up a day of sightseeing
• a “last day in town” plan that ends your trip with a practical souvenir

English is offered, and the group size is small. So if you want a calm activity where you can actually hear the answers, this is a good fit.

Who should book this gin distillery tour?

You’ll love it if you:

• like gin and want to understand it beyond the bottle name
• enjoy small-group experiences where you can ask questions
• want a Reykjavík activity that feels local and craft-focused
• are into tasting spirits with food-drink context, since cocktails come into the mix

It may not be the best match if you:

• do not want to drink alcohol on your trip
• need a long, stop-and-stroll tour with lots of wandering
• prefer very large groups and minimal talking

One more thing to note: service animals are allowed, so it can be a more comfortable option for those who need that kind of support.

Should you book Þoran Distillery with the master distiller?

Yes, if you want an efficient, craft-forward Reykjavík experience that centers on tasting and real discussion. For the money, you’re buying access to the process, not just a sip and a goodbye.

I’d skip it only if you’re not interested in gin at all, or if you are looking for a non-alcoholic activity. Otherwise, this is one of the rare tours where the product is the point, and the person behind the product talks in a way that makes you care.

FAQ

How long is the gin distillery tour and tasting?

It runs about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The price is $39.99 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Does the admission ticket include tastings?

Yes. Admission ticket included is listed as part of the stop.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.