Icelandic Moonshine

KHB Brugghús is the only distillery in Iceland that produces Landi, the true Icelandic Moonshine. We go back to basics, using the knowledge of older generations to maintain a culture that many have known but could not talk much about.

Brewing and distilling moonshine used to be common before and probably Icelanders began to dabble in production around 1900. In the years 1912 - 1935, alcohol production and import was banned in Iceland. An exemption was granted in 1922 for so-called "Spanish wines", but they were considered very expensive and the bottle could cost as much as the price of one sheep. People practiced brewing during the ban years and developed recipes and traditions for this remarkable drink.
Those who had the right relationship could get cheap sugar and yeast. Some people did not use yeast, but acid, raisins and rye flour, even potatoes. But that mix was not good. Brewers were widely called "Beer heaters" and produced both beer and singing water. The beer is the basis of the moonshine and could be quite good, then cooled or even mixed in soft drinks. The singing water is ready when it has boiled and the moonshine is ready to drink.
In Borgarfjörður eystri, this culture developed and many people worked hard at brewing and distilling. But people had to be careful, as the magistrates and their scouts were on the lookout. The beer was considered good and most people left it there, but there were quite a few hard-working distillers who achieved good results in their production.

We use an original recipe from an individual brewer who found it most enjoyable to get people to visit and give it a "pitcher". We brew and distill with the latest distillation technology that ensure unique quality and purity.

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