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Tannin posted:Hey again everybody, I've finally made it into Iceland and am currently staying in Hafnarfjordur. I wandered around downtown Reykjavik for a while this morning since my plane got in at 5:30 am, and it's great so far. I had a pylsur at the suggested place, good stuff. That lady is a whirlwind of activity. Anyway, I'm in town until Tuesday, is anyone else in town that would want to do some fun stuff and/or adventure in Reykjavik? I'll probably try to hike a mountain or two, and see the flea market on Saturday at least as per Deceitful Penguin's suggestions at the beginning of the thread.  I don't know how I missed this post but I've been out of the town for the duration anyhow, a shame to have missed you. inscrutable horse posted:So, DP, what's your opinion on Egils Gull? BadAstronaut posted:Odin almighty I have not had a chance to be social to the congenial OP, but I will, sir, I will. Arkhamina posted:OP - I was reading in the news about an 'earthquake storm' right now of one of the bigger volcano/fault lines. Do you worry or stress about those? Do you do anything to be prepared if there is a major eruption? Iceland isn't as reliant on sheep as it was the last time a major catastrophic volcanic event happened, which uhh, wasn't very nice. But I worry little enough that I'm going closer to it tomorrow, headin' to my gran. I guess if the biosphere is going to die it's best to pick those berries now while we can. 
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Aug 20, 2014 04:27
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| # ? May 15, 2024 17:47 |
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http://www.jonfr.com/volcano/ This seems to be a blog about the state of the Bárğarbunga volcano under the Vatnajökull glacier. A few years ago there was an active volcano under that glacier causing major air traffic issues Any sites worth following to keep up to date on the current hot spot?
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Aug 22, 2014 16:17
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I did a quick check. There might be something better and I'm not really sure about the dependability of this, but here are at least two links. http://en.vedur.is/about-imo/news/ The news listing in English from the Icelandic Meteorological Office. A yellow textbox also informs if there is risk or not, but it is not linked to any RSS as far as I can see. http://www.mbl.is/frettir/knippi/3305/ One of Iceland's bigger news sites, a collection of articles in English about the seismic activity.
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Aug 22, 2014 16:31
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Oh yea it erupted, bit smaller than we thought. Might get bigger I guess, but unless you were hanging around in the North-East or traveling through there it won't be too big of a hassle for now. Few roads cut and whatnot. Oh and the Grapevine does live english coverage too and you won't be supporting the worst newspaper (mbl) by goin' there: http://grapevine.is/news/2014/08/23/breaking-news-small-eruption-reported-at-bardarbunga/ (unless you got adblock on I guess) Edit: Apparently the coast guard are contesting that, haha. What a world. Deceitful Penguin fucked around with this message at 19:30 on Aug 23, 2014 |
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Aug 23, 2014 17:30
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ookuwagata posted:Things I have eaten: These two opinions side-by-side are awesome and you are fascinating for holding them. I remember thinking those drat hot dogs were the food of the gods and, well, to say that I did not enjoy hákarl is a mild understatement. I actually just felt awesome about the fact that it was not actually the worst thing I have tasted (that honor goes to some too-old Munster [not Muenster] I had in Paris) AND that I never even came close to gagging or anything; it was just an unpleasant experience eating literal garbage. Plus I do not drink so I washed it down with my mocha instead of the vodka shot  which incidentally does not actually get rid of the flavor Also the Grapevine sucks, huh? drat. I have loved that newspaper since I was doing research for my master's thesis in 2006 and came upon it and instantly decided I wanted to visit Iceland. Wait, hold on, your parenthetical seems to mean something--oh. Morgunblağiğ. I have never even heard of/read this newspaper; apparently I am not missing much?
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Aug 24, 2014 05:37
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Quarex posted:Also the Grapevine sucks, huh? drat. I have loved that newspaper since I was doing research for my master's thesis in 2006 and came upon it and instantly decided I wanted to visit Iceland. Good newspapers in Iceland: DV - A bit tabloid, started as more of a gossip rag but is now the only major paper to do actual journalism, literally the reason Tony Omos wasn't ignored. The Grapevine - Mostly aimed at tourists and foreigners but the writers are good and they manage to get most of the stuff that matters Akureyri vikublağ: Good stuff in the North, DV lite, very strong on Social Justice fronts Mediocre: Vísir/Fréttablağiğ - Google-translated Reuters, character assassinating feminists, banal bullshit poo poo: Bændablağiğ - Not especially good coverage on the countryside, staunchly pro XB, the populist party (confusingly for Americans called the 'Progressive Party') MBL or Morgunblağiğ - The Editor is literally the former PM who bankrupted the country with his neoliberal shilling, overtly right wing, racist and xenophobic.
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Aug 24, 2014 08:15
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Quarex posted:
The most unpleasant thing from Iceland I've had I've only tried yesterday (and it's technically it's really from Finland), Tyrkisk Peber, which I brought back. It's bitter, salty, sour and chemical. I am skeptical of the nutrition facts which make the claim that sugar is the main ingredient. It's like Indian mango pickle, except if you removed all the (sparse) redeeming qualities of it, replaced it with a poo poo-ton of anise and at the very end it burns like bathroom cleaner on your tongue. I've eaten about a quarter of the bag by myself. I am very strange!
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Aug 25, 2014 20:34
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ookuwagata posted:The most unpleasant thing from Iceland I've had I've only tried yesterday (and it's technically it's really from Finland), Tyrkisk Peber, which I brought back. It's bitter, salty, sour and chemical. I am skeptical of the nutrition facts which make the claim that sugar is the main ingredient. It's like Indian mango pickle, except if you removed all the (sparse) redeeming qualities of it, replaced it with a poo poo-ton of anise and at the very end it burns like bathroom cleaner on your tongue. ookuwagata posted:The most unpleasant thing from Iceland I've had I've only tried yesterday (and it's technically it's really from Finland), Tyrkisk Peber, which I brought back. It's bitter, salty, sour and chemical and at the very end it burns like bathroom cleaner on your tongue. ookuwagata posted:The most unpleasant thing from Iceland I've had I've only tried yesterday (and it's technically it's really from Finland), Tyrkisk Peber. ookuwagata posted:The most unpleasant thing, Tyrkisk Peber. YOU SHUT YOUR LYING, HEATHEN MOUTH THIS INSTANT! Tyrkisk Peber candies are the fallen tears of angel kittens, and saying otherwise is a drat dirty lie! Are you a liar, ookuwagata? Do you want the terrorists to win?! Are you a communist?!?! e: Ahem... What I mean to say is that we take our salmiak liquorice very seriously. inscrutable horse fucked around with this message at 20:49 on Aug 25, 2014 |
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Aug 25, 2014 20:43
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ookuwagata posted:Tyrkisk Peber, And ... oh my dear lord. I already knew I hated licorice, and this was like President Licorice of the United States of Licorice. Somehow I figured since it was called DRACULA and said "caramellur" or whatever that surely it would be, like, I dunno, spicy caramel or something weird. Whoops! Teehee. Ugh. And yet, we do agree with the "still ate quite a few by myself despite hating them because it was SO FASCINATING" point.
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Aug 25, 2014 23:44
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inscrutable horse posted:YOU SHUT YOUR LYING, HEATHEN MOUTH THIS INSTANT! Tyrkisk Peber candies are the fallen tears of angel kittens, and saying otherwise is a drat dirty lie! Are you a liar, ookuwagata? Do you want the terrorists to win?! Are you a communist?!?!
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Aug 26, 2014 20:00
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I used to travel yearly to Iceland for the CCP internet spaceship fest and always stocked up on salt licorice. I found this local Icelandic salt licorice booze that 100% looks like motor oil... I savor a sip or two every months. No way anyone is ever exporting that stuff... When I was an exchange student in Sweden we would do 'peppar shots' using the bottom of a shot glass to smash up a Turkish Peppar candy, sweep it into a shot glass, pour moonshine over it.... Ah, memories...
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Aug 26, 2014 23:20
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You wouldn't be talking about Opal, would you? This link is to an online store where you can order various Icelandic product, including food, candy and liquor. Well, unless you're in the US, the store apparently doesn't have the permits needed to ship food/liquor to the US. It's fun to note that the first four best-sellers in the candy category is all liquorice-based candy.
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Aug 27, 2014 08:50
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Nope, Opal is Fisherman's Friend cough drops in booze form, this is like very strong salt lakrids - no menthol notes. Also in a plastic bottle and a label that almost looks home printed. Plain yellow and white label.. I'll edit the post with a name and photo when I get home. I checked the various options at the site you linked... My dog was trying to get my attention, so I added her to the photo. (She is a cutie) If anyone knows (OP?) where to get this stuff other than a) Iceland b) Duty free in Icelandic Airports I would be very happy to know where! Arkhamina fucked around with this message at 23:47 on Aug 27, 2014 |
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Aug 27, 2014 22:59
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Iced Cocoa posted:You wouldn't be talking about Opal, would you? This link is to an online store where you can order various Icelandic product, including food, candy and liquor. Well, unless you're in the US, the store apparently doesn't have the permits needed to ship food/liquor to the US. Are the prices on that site similar to in-store prices in Iceland? Because I like aquavit and would love to try Icelandic ones, but this one is listed at USD $208 for a 500mL bottle. 
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Aug 28, 2014 01:38
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Carbon Thief posted:Are the prices on that site similar to in-store prices in Iceland? Because I like aquavit and would love to try Icelandic ones, but this one is listed at USD $208 for a 500mL bottle. Also no, quite a bit added. Check vinbudin.is for real prices, all in Icelandic though I'm afraid. Arkhamina posted:Nope, Opal is Fisherman's Friend cough drops in booze form, this is like very strong salt lakrids - no menthol notes. Also in a plastic bottle and a label that almost looks home printed. Plain yellow and white label.. I'll edit the post with a name and photo when I get home. I checked the various options at the site you linked... Cute dog also. Deceitful Penguin fucked around with this message at 02:29 on Aug 28, 2014 |
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Aug 28, 2014 02:27
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Carbon Thief posted:Are the prices on that site similar to in-store prices in Iceland? Because I like aquavit and would love to try Icelandic ones, but this one is listed at USD $208 for a 500mL bottle. Well, if I'm understanding that page right, it's not one bottle you're buying, but a case of 12. A 500mL bottle like that would cost around 200 DKK (around 35 USD) if I were to buy it in the local monopoly. International freight and export tax might add a bit more, so let's say it would cost 50 USD to post a bottle of Haviğ to an arbitrary place in the world. 208 USD is pretty reasonable for a case of 12 bottles, IMO. I'd also say that Haviğ is worth the asking price. I hate aquavit in general, having grown up with the Danish Aalborg Akvavit, yet I find Haviğ to be eminently drinkable, particularly if you stick it in the freezer so it's nice and frosty.w
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Aug 28, 2014 13:17
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I am blind. Also eruption happening, apparently. So it goes I guess, until they decide it ain't. Oh checked it out, guess it legit this time. Pretty. http://www.livefromiceland.is/webcams/bardarbunga/ Deceitful Penguin fucked around with this message at 02:23 on Aug 29, 2014 |
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Aug 29, 2014 02:14
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inscrutable horse posted:YOU SHUT YOUR LYING, HEATHEN MOUTH THIS INSTANT! Tyrkisk Peber candies are the fallen tears of angel kittens, and saying otherwise is a drat dirty lie! Are you a liar, ookuwagata? Do you want the terrorists to win?! Are you a communist?!?! Hahaha, I brought Tyrkisk Peber to work, and surprisingly one person liked it. However, at the same time, she was convinced that it wasn't a candy people ate as a sweet, she was certain it had to be a cough drop, like ricola, or some sort of herbal candy for medicinal purposes. The milder salmiak licorices were actually a big hit though at work. Everyone thought it was refreshingly minty, and helped to counteract the stench of passengers which view showering as a monthly thing.
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Aug 29, 2014 18:39
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Arkhamina posted:Nope, Opal is Fisherman's Friend cough drops in booze form, this is like very strong salt lakrids - no menthol notes. Also in a plastic bottle and a label that almost looks home printed. Plain yellow and white label.. I'll edit the post with a name and photo when I get home. I checked the various options at the site you linked... I doubt you can find the stuff outside of northern Europe, but you can mix your own! Add a handful of tyrkisk peber or liqorice pastilles to a bottle of vodka and mix it somehow (scandinavians use the dishwasher) and voila. This shop seems to sell liqorice in the US.
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Aug 30, 2014 00:55
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Lima posted:I doubt you can find the stuff outside of northern Europe, but you can mix your own! also my mouth is now solid black Ah, no wait, I try and be serious in this thread. Yea, this is pretty much what they do already for the 'Hot n Sweet' I prefer, you can also use Hockey Pulver if you can get that (I use that for individual shots) or anything really with salmiak, also fun is adding some chili for that Nordic/slavic mix or you can't get any ammonium chloride.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:52
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Lima posted:I doubt you can find the stuff outside of northern Europe, but you can mix your own! Fastest method would probably be to crush (or food process) the candies into small pieces (or dust) and funnel into the vodka, and give it a good shake. Should dissolve quickly. If after a few days the candies leave sediment behind (most likely in softer candies) strain it out with a coffee filter. I actually might try this, as soon as my steeping jar is freed up.
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Sep 8, 2014 07:00
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Deceitful Penguin posted:Pff, if peeps are really interested I can restart my 'Exchange Icelandic poo poo for foreign poo poo' program, where last I exchanged volcanic glass and chocolate for gemstones. (You may replace the gemstones with other stuff I GUESS).   Ahhh I miss Iceland. I can send you crazy upside down Australian things if you (or any other Icelandic goons) are interested in exchange!
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Sep 9, 2014 15:51
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I should petition to change the title of the thread to 'Ask me about tourist stuff and spicy vodkas ITT'combee posted:Halló I would be interested in this. Okay maybe I just want some more of the hilarious bags from Bónus with the funny pig on them Also pics from the good volcano place: 
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Sep 9, 2014 16:13
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I am glad to not be the only person who kept a Bónus bag because oh my god that pig. I love it. Baenus bag. Why does my phone not play nice with the forums 
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Sep 10, 2014 22:08
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Quarex posted:I am glad to not be the only person who kept a Bónus bag because oh my god that pig. I love it. Baenus bag. Why does my phone not play nice with the forums
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Sep 11, 2014 01:35
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Deceitful Penguin posted:I've sometimes considered getting that smug mug as an avatar, but could never think of a good enough text with it.
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Sep 11, 2014 02:47
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Quarex posted:Surely there is some way to make the Bonus slogan into a sexual joke. Or maybe it already is. Ekkert Bruğl doesn't really lend itself too much, 'cept mebbe no loving around.
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Sep 12, 2014 22:22
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Deceitful Penguin posted:Ekkert Bruğl doesn't really lend itself too much, 'cept mebbe no loving around. I thought it was "Bığur Betur" nowadays
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Sep 13, 2014 03:59
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dor1 posted:I thought it was "Bığur Betur" nowadays Oh yea, so it is. The problems that come from never watching television...
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Sep 15, 2014 21:26
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I just got back from iceland (wish I'd seen this before). It was awesome and I want to proclaim Egals Appelsin as the best orange soda ever.
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Sep 16, 2014 03:06
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nm posted:I just got back from iceland (wish I'd seen this before). It was awesome and I want to proclaim Egals Appelsin as the best orange soda ever. And a shame, but that's life. Maybe we'll meet up next time.
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Sep 17, 2014 19:57
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To rewind to the trading Icelandic stuff for other stuff topic, does anyone know the specifics on shipping liquor or other alcohol to or from Iceland? Everything on the internet seems to say it's impossible.
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Sep 21, 2014 23:54
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Iceland booze talk. My brother went to Iceland a while ago and brought back some treats. Firstly - Brennevin.  How should I drink this? It's been sitting in my freezer for about 6 months because I don't really know what to do with it... it's so green! Secondly, LAVA - icelandic bitter.  I have absolutely no idea what this is going to taste like, what to drink it with, etc. It just sounds... weird. 'Bitter' to me means beer (I'm from the UK), but this looks nothing like beer. Help me get drunk icelandic style, please!
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Sep 22, 2014 11:32
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Brennivín should be drunk neat, preferably from a shot glass. Freezing it like you have is generally a very good idea, because aquavits have a ridiculously potent "taste". Depending on your courage, you might want to either start slow to get used to the taste, or to jump right in to get the "unique" taste over with. I'm not personally familiar with Lava, but it's one of these kinds of bitter - think Jägermeister - and the same rules apply. Have fun! 
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Sep 22, 2014 11:42
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Quarex posted:I am glad to not be the only person who kept a Bónus bag because oh my god that pig. I love it. Baenus bag. Why does my phone not play nice with the forums I kept mine, and lost it somewhere on the way home  Unrelated, good to see this thread still going. I spent three weeks in Iceland over July and loved it. I have traveled a lot, and it is by far my favourite place I have ever visited. So much so that I am already planning another trip next year I'd actually love to live there, but it looks like they make it a gigantic pain in the rear end for non-EU/EEA citizens to migrate there
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Sep 22, 2014 12:29
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tentish klown posted:Iceland booze talk. If you find the taste overwhelming or dislike it then you can always try the classic 'Karlakók' or 'Big boy coke' and just mix it with cola. It's not good at all but teens drink it and it's better than neat if you don't like the taste.
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Sep 23, 2014 09:01
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I just saw the documentary about Iceland during the financial collapse called Blueberry Soup and it really sucked dick. Maybe I learned a little bit about the cultural aspects of Iceland but I didn't gather anything real about the political change during and after the financial collapse. It did interview several members of your `constitutional council' though. Anyway, I've noticed that you've touched on the financial crisis a bit in your answers but can you give us like a really good "Longread" about what happened?
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Sep 24, 2014 00:55
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tentish klown posted:Iceland booze talk. The big icelandic beers (like gull/viking) kinda sucked. The smaller beers were decent, but oh my god expensive. How does Iceland stay so drunk on the weekends? nm fucked around with this message at 01:02 on Sep 24, 2014 |
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Sep 24, 2014 00:59
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nm posted:Shots. I actually liked it despite not being a huge fan of caraway. Gull and Viking struck me as pretty standard bland industrial lager. I liked Gaedingur's Pale Ale though; I think its of comparable quality to some craft brews here in Northern California.
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Sep 24, 2014 02:01
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My wife's complete beer snob friend who came to Iceland for our wedding said that the only beer worth drinking was Lava, but he did say it was not bad at all. Though I swear I just saw some other drink called Lava posted in this thread that definitely was not the dark ale he was drinking.
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Sep 24, 2014 03:10
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