Tap Handle #746: Einstök

February 06, 2020

Tap Handle #746: Einstök - White Ale

Tap size: 10.75"
Rarity: import, tap out of production
Mounting: internal 3/8" nut

The double-bladed axe tap handle produced by Einstök Brewing in Iceland is influenced by the Viking people who settled Iceland in the late 9th century. The shaft of the axe bears the name of the brewery on all 4 sides, and includes the brewery's symbol (a silhouette of a helmeted Viking). Above the name, front and back, are elaborate patterns sculpted into the tap, while turning the tap to the side reveals the name of the beer variety, which is also sculpted. The beer variety can be difficult to spot due to the dark blue lettering on the dark grey background. Since the front and back are identical to each other, I have reduced the number of photos taken. This tap is no longer used by the brewery; instead, they have switched to a flat metal version that uses stickers for beer variety. Because this tap is retired, it is much harder to find than the current metal tap, but it is still fairly affordable when it appears on the secondary market.

Click through to read more about Einstök Brewing, their White Ale, and to see more photos of this very sharp tap...

Einstök Brewing was founded in Akureyri, Iceland in 2010 by Jack Sichterman and David Altshuler. Sichterman had worked for Harley-Davidson in the 1990’s, and won several Telly Awards as a writer/director of industrial films for Harley-Davidson and others such as BMW Mini Cooper, the Orlando Magic, and the Golden State Warriors. One of his greatest dreams was to build a craft brewery, and in 2009 an opportunity presented itself. He headed a team to develop and create a unique beer brand in Iceland, aptly named Einstök, meaning "unique" or "one of a kind". Their goal was to brew high-quality ales and create a global brand that would resonate with craft beer drinkers worldwide. Altshuler was the CEO. The first beer was produced in 2011. Between 2011 and 2015, Einstök sales doubled every year. After laying the strategic groundwork during this time, sales exploded during the first six months of 2015 with a more than 250% spike in shipments over the same period the previous year. Einstök produced more than 12,000 barrels in 2015, compared with just over 6,100 in 2014.

With the increased production, Einstök became the largest exporter of alcoholic beverages from Iceland, representing nearly 64%. The increase in sales was attributed to repeat purchases in long-standing markets, as well as expansion into new territories across the globe. Distribution included 11 U.S. states and several countries throughout Europe. At the same time, Einstök was winning medals 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.

By 2018, distribution had expanded to 16 states in the U.S., as well as 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, Europe, the Nordics, China and Korea. Part of the popularity came from the fact that the brewery taps the purest water on Earth to create its craft ales and lagers. At present, Einstök brews Icelandic White Ale, Icelandic Arctic Pale Ale, Icelandic Toasted Porter, Icelandic Wee Heavy and three seasonal brews: Icelandic Arctic Berry Ale, Icelandic Doppelbock and Icelandic Winter Ale.

Editor's note: co-founder Jack Sichterman passed away after a brief battle with cancer in 2017.

Einstök's Icelandic White Ale, one of its core year-round beers, is brewed in the centuries-old Belgian tradition, featuring the complex flavors of the classic witbier, including orange peel and coriander - all brewed with pure Icelandic water that delivers a cool smoothness that is flavorful and refreshingly drinkable. It has a clean and crisp start with a smooth mouth-feel thanks to the oats, while citrus and spice round out the refreshing finish. It won a gold medal at the 2013 Los Angeles Commerical Beer Competition, a silver medal at the 2014 International Beer Challenge in London, and a double gold medal at the 2018 New York International Beer Competition. Recommended food pairings are seafood, poultry, vegetarian dishes, Asian food, and spicy food, including Mexican, tapas, Indian, and Thai.