Eldfell: Where Fire, Fermentation, and Flavor Collide.

Few places in Iceland tell a story of destruction and renewal as dramatically as Eldfell, the volcano that erupted on Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands, in 1973. Overnight, lava and ash transformed the island, forcing an entire community to flee and leaving behind a surreal, smoldering landscape. But today, Heimaey is thriving, shaped by both the raw power of nature and the resilience of its people.

Hiking up Eldfell today, you can still see steam rising at the top of the volcano, a reminder that this island is young and ever-changing. The volcanic soil, rich in minerals, has slowly become home to mosses, wildflowers, and seabirds, showing how life finds its way back, even in the harshest environments. This process mirrors the natural world of fermentation, where wild yeasts and bacteria transform raw ingredients into something entirely new.

At Grugg & Makk, we embrace this same idea in our brewing. Our wild ales are fermented with Iceland’s native microflora, influenced by the land’s unique biodiversity. Much like Eldfell’s lava fields developing their own ecosystem over time, our beers evolve naturally, creating deep, complex flavors that speak of a place.

Heimaey is more than just a geological wonder, it’s a place with a rich cultural scene, a strong fishing heritage, and, of course, great beer. One of the island’s must-visit spots is Brothers Brewery, a local craft brewery that serves up creative, island-inspired brews. And if you happen to visit in summer, don’t miss the Goslok Festival, a celebration of Heimaey’s survival after the eruption, bringing together music, plays, outdoor events and locals who love to share a story or two. The islanders have not only created a wonderful home for themselves but a terrific stop for travelers, full of great activities, such as boat rides, hiking, museums, class restaurants and many other fun recreations.

The connection between land, history, and beer is something we think about a lot at Grugg & Makk. Just like Eldfell, fermentation is a force of nature—wild, unpredictable, and ultimately transformative. So whether you’re hiking a volcano, tasting local beer, or sipping on one of our wild ales, remember: Iceland’s landscape isn’t just something to see. It’s something to experience.

This spring we will be releasing one of our wild ales that we call ELDFELL, made with microbes collected on the slopes of the volcano. We are very excited for this and can't wait for you to try it and to bring it to the Westman Islands.