World of Beer Craft: Iceland’s premier craft beer sees 250% increase in shipments

Located just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle in the fishing port of Akureyri, Iceland, the Einstök Beer Co. has access to some of the purest water on Earth. They use this to create some of the most popular Icelandic craft beer ales in the world. At present, Einstök brews Icelandic White Ale, Icelandic Arctic Pale Ale, Icelandic Toasted Porter and two seasonal brews (Icelandic Arctic Berry Ale and Icelandic Doppelbock), which are currently available in Iceland, Europe and select U.S. states from California to New Jersey.

In fact, Einstök Beer recently announced that its Icelandic craft beer has grown so popular that it’s experienced significant growth during the first six months of 2015 with a more than 250 percent spike in shipments over the same period last year. Einstök is projecting to produce more than 12,000 barrels (bbls) in 2015, compared with just over 6,100 bbls in 2014.

“From day one, we set out to brew high-quality ales and create a global brand that would resonate with craft beer drinkers worldwide,” said David Altshuler, Einstök co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We are now seeing the pace of our growth quicken after laying the strategic groundwork in our first few years.”

Based on data from Statistics Iceland, Einstök is now the largest exporter of alcoholic beverages from Iceland, representing nearly 64 percent of all exports in the category in the first six months of 2015. This increase in sales can be attributed to repeat purchases in long-standing markets as consumer thirst for exotic import craft beer grows, as well as expansion into new territories across the globe. Recently expanded distribution included several U.S. states and countries throughout Europe, notably the Nordics, Germany and several Baltic countries.

Since it was first produced in October 2011, Einstök has gained industry and consumer recognition year over year. In 2015 alone, Einstök medaled in several prestigious global competitions, including the Meiningers International Craft Beer Award in Germany, London’s International Beer Challenge, the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition and the San Diego International Beer Festival.

“As beer enthusiasts look beyond local breweries for high-quality beer that is truly unique, our deliciously refreshing beer and adventurous brand fit their need,” said Einstök Co-Founder and Chief Beer Officer Jack Sichterman. “Considering where we brew and how we brew with a single source of glacial water, Einstök delivers uncommon ales and a story that few brands in the world can match,” continued Sichterman.

To learn more about Einstök and to access the Ale Locator, visit www.einstokbeer.com. In select U.S. states, Einstök is distributed in Alabama (United-Johnson Brothers), California (Wine Warehouse), Delaware (Regal Wine), Florida (Republic National), Maryland (Chesapeake), Mississippi (Mitchell), New Jersey (Regal Wine), New York (Oak Beverage), Pennsylvania (Shangy’s), Tennessee (Lipman Brothers) and Texas (Andrews).