You are quite the beer enthusiast! When did your passion for beer begin? 

My passion began when I was young, maybe 20 years ago. Born in NYC, I had the privilege of being surrounded by great beer halls and taverns with large selections of imported beers. I never liked the domestic options as they lacked flavor, complexity and character. I was wanting beers that could be enjoyed alone or with a great meal or in great company. I’ve always thought that a good beer should taste good not only ice cold but at room temperature. 

We saw that you have furry friends. Tell us about them. 

My pup’s Marley Ray, an Australian Shepherd that has energy for days. Always sporting a big smile. Would drink my beer if I let my guard down. Kai, our cat, is our little killer. She is a rescued street cat that we found in the gutter and keeps me entertained with his antics. He thinks he’s a great hunter but he is really not.  

When was the first time you tried Einstök? 

I’d say a two or three years ago when I came across a can of the toasted porter at a local beer and wine shop in Florida. Pubs and Taverns are in short supply in central Florida. At the local shop I came across Einstok and loved the White Ale and Toasted Porter. It was a bonus when I found that both are served at Disney’s EPCOT Norway Pavilion. 

Aside from beer, what else are you most passionate about? 

I love going to the gym or playing outdoor sports to keep the mind and body young and the blood flowing. I also enjoy a good bourbon.

Tell us about your most memorable conquest. 

My woman. She keeps me humble and centered. We met in high school 23 years ago and life took us through different paths but 10 years later, our paths crossed again and I didn’t let time or circumstance get in the way of what I knew was meant to be. I will never let her go. 

You can follow Phillip and his adventures on Instagram: @phillip.t.nyc

Tell us about yourself. What made you want to open your own beer and wine shop?

I initially wanted to support my mom when my brother passed. When it came to opening up my own business, I wanted to do something fun since there were so many changes happening in the beer industry.

What was the inspiration behind the pirate theme?

Well, the owner Blackbeards himself is a pirate so the theme just naturally followed. Plus, everyone loves pirates!

Blackbeard’s has a reputation for excellent service. Tell us about the experience you like to provide for your customers.

It’s just that, it’s an experience. My biggest thing is I don’t want people to feel intimidated or overwhelmed when they walk into a beer store. I want to provide an experience that is not only fun, but also different from what they are used to.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The customers, hands down. I enjoy turning people on to their new favorite beers that they otherwise would may have never tried not having stepped foot into Blackbeard’s. It’s a big deal when customers turn to you and trust your taste.

What do customers love most about Einstök?

They love the fact that it’s brewed in Iceland! You can truly taste the quality of water and ingredients with each sip you take.

Eligibility:

All applicants must be based in the U.S. There is no purchase necessary to enter or win.

AGREEMENT TO OFFICIAL RULES:

Participation in this Promotion constitutes your full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules, as well as our decisions as the Sponsor and Administrator of this promotion. Any decisions are final and binding in all matters related to this Promotion. Receipt of a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all applicable requirements set forth herein.

HOW TO ENTER:

Submit your design to info@einstokbeer.com with the subject line “TSHIRT DESIGN ENTRY” and include your name, full contact information, and Instagram handle along with your attached design in a vector file.

Limit: There is a limit of one (1) entry per person. Entries received in excess of this limit will be disqualified. All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned. No entries may be submitted on behalf of another person.

TIMING:

The Promotion begins on February 22, 2020 at 12:00:00 AM Pacific Time (“PT”), and ends February 29, 2020 at 11:59:59 PM PT (“Promotion Period”). The Sponsor runs the official clock for the program and will solely determine the time by which an entry is received.

PRIZE: 

The winner will have their design featured on a t-shirt as part of Einstök’s new spring 2020 merchandise. In addition, the selected winner will win a cash prize of $250 along with a gift basket of merchandise consisting of a t-shirt, hoodie, keychain and hat. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $100. Total ARV of all prizes: $350.

WINNER NOTIFICATION:

Winner will be notified on or about February 28, 2020 by email and social media channels. Winner will be required to complete, sign, and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability Release and; where legal, a Publicity Release (collectively the “Affidavit”). Complete documentation must be returned within five (5) days from prize notification date or the prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate potential winner time permitting. If a potential Winner (i) cannot be contacted after a reasonable attempt has been made by Sponsor or Administrator (as determined in Sponsor’s sole discretion); (ii) fails to timely return the required paperwork without alteration and in the form presented by Sponsor/Administrator; (iii) refuses the prize; and/or (iv) the prize or prize notification is rejected or returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits all rights to be deemed a winner in the Sweepstakes and receive the prize, then that potential prize winner will be disqualified and an alternate winner will be determined based on the next highest scoring entry. Prize must be accepted as awarded.

PUBLICITY:

Acceptance of any prize shall constitute and signify each winner’s agreement and consent that Sponsor and its designees may use the winner’s name, likeness, photo, entry submission, and/or prize information in connection with the Promotion for promotional, advertising or other purposes, worldwide, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised, including the Internet, without limitation and without further payment, notification, permission or other consideration, except where prohibited by law. Sponsor and its designees, shall have the right to edit, exploit, adapt, distribute, post, and create derivative works of, in whole or in part, and in combination with other materials, in any manner, for any advertising, promotional, trade, commercial or other purposes in any and all media, now or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity, and without further payment or consideration, notification or permission.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:

Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Promotion, or any part of this Promotion, if any fraud, technical failures, human error or any other factor impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Promotion, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. If terminated Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, determine the winners from among all non-suspect, eligible Entries received up to time of such action using the judging procedure outlined above. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the Entry process or the operation of the Promotion or to be acting in violation of the Official Rules of this or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner and void all associated Entries. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Promotion may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek any and all remedies available from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:

Released Parties are not responsible for any unauthorized third party use of any entry submission.

GOVERNING LAW:

This Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This Sweepstakes and Official Rules are governed and interpreted by the laws of the State of California, USA without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

ENTRANT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Information collected from persons participating in this promotion is subject to Sponsor’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy https://einstokbeer.com. Each Entrant expressly agrees to the use of his/her personal information for such purpose. The Released Parties will not sell, share or otherwise disclose information collected in any manner with third parties, other than those parties necessary to fulfill the above purposes, unless Entrant has given his or her prior express consent to receive additional information from the Released Parties or a third party.

How did the two of you meet? 

Erik and I met each other on the internet and instantly clicked through our commonality of Scandinavian heritage. Erik being Danish and me being Norwegian.

A modern Viking love story. We would love to know more about the proposal!

Erik proposed to me on January 12, 2020 at the campsite that we made together exactly one year to the date. He placed the ring in the viewfinder of my Mamiya 645 film camera at the base of the big pine tree that shelters the campground. Luckily Erik’s sister was present to beautifully capture the moments before, enjoying the simplicities of our place, during and after, soaking in the thoughts of forever.

How romantic! Tell us about the conquests you have been on together. 

Erik and I can never seem to get enough travel in us, and covered 14 states in our first year together. From a family home on the ocean in Maine to a tiny German town in Georgia, we love every experience we can find.

That’s a lot of trekking! Tell us about the first time you had Einstök. 

The first time I enjoyed Einstok was in a small pub in Vik Iceland in 2017 after a week of traveling the ring road with family and friends. Erik had his first Einstok in 2018 at a bar in Santa Barbara, CA while attending a wedding. We enjoyed our first Einstok together our first night together at our campsite over a fire roasting beer brats.

It’s like Einstök brought you together! Aside from the upcoming wedding, what new adventures do the two of you have in store for the future? 

With a wedding coming in September 2021 comes a honeymoon 🙂 We are excited to be planning our most extravagant adventure yet of a tour through our Scandinavian heritage covering Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland of course. We plan on exploring more of the United States camping in a 4Runner with our two dogs. This is just the beginning, and we hope our adventures never end.

You can follow Mia and Erik on their adventures on Instagram @gnarley_whales @a.2.muller

Photo by @chrissymullerphoto

It looks like you are very passionate about beer. What made you want to start your own blog? 

I was chatting with some of my coworkers at lunch about food bloggers on Instagram and I thought hey, I could do that with beer! At the time, I didn’t realize how large the beer community on Instagram was. I thought it would just be a fun thing for my friends to follow, I had no idea that it would provide me with so many opportunities and connect me with so many fellow beer lovers from around the world!

We saw that your sister brought you Einstok as a gift from Iceland. What did you think? 

I was so stoked! One of my favourite parts about travelling is trying local breweries. Since I wasn’t on that trip with my sister, this was the next best thing. A very thoughtful gift, especially since Einstok isn’t available in my area (yet). She gifted me both the Icelandic Toasted Porter and the Icelandic White Ale. I was super impressed with both – I can’t wait to get my hands on more. 

Tell us about some of your favorite conquests. 
I’ve had my fair share of conquests, as I have been lucky enough to travel to 40 countries by the age of 24. My most recent adventure was to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia back in August. Though beer definitely was not a focus of this trip, it took me to some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. One of my favorite beer-related conquests was visiting the Švyturys Brewery in Klaipeda, Lithuania. This is the most historic brewery I have ever visited – they have been brewing since 1784! They have a beautiful tasting room in the old town of Klaipeda.
I’m thinking Iceland should be next on my list!

From your point of view, what does it mean to “conquer?” 

Getting out of your comfort zone and spending as much time exploring as possible.

You can follow Robyn on her adventures on Instagram.

“As a rapidly growing brand, we strive to become available in territories for new and old customers alike.” said David Altshuler, Einstök Co-Founder, and CEO. “This new distribution deal gives Vikings in Ohio the opportunity to experience Iceland in every Einstök beer they drink.” 

Cavalier Distributing was founded in 1992 by George Fisher in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the goal of providing customers and consumers with better beer and better selection. Today, their comprehensive portfolio of craft beverages remains focused on American craft and specialty import beer, as well as wine, cider, mead, small-batch spirits, and non-alcoholic sodas and waters. 

The expansion of Einstök’s distribution territory continues to grow at a steady pace. Since its inception in 2011, Einstök’s sales growth has consistently doubled every year. Based on data from Statistics Iceland, Einstök is the largest exporter of alcoholic beverages from Iceland. 

While the valiant #Leafs have been held back from drinking from Lord Stanley’s Cup since the 1966-67 season, hopes are high as the team ices one of its most promising rosters in decades, the result of embracing change and doing things differently than they had during the drought.  With this in mind, why drink the way you used to while watching NHL playoff hockey?

Einstök, Iceland’s #1 Craft Beer, is proud to announce the arrival of its celebrated ales and lagers in the Greater Toronto Area, starting with double gold medal winner White Ale, now available through the LCBO online (click here to order). Starting today, Torontonians will be able to quench their Viking thirst with Einstök’s award-winning brews and enjoy a fresh new way to savor playoff hockey, as the Leafs march to victory.

Einstök, which means unique in Icelandic, is located just 60 miles south of the Arctic circle in the quaint fishing port of Akureyri. There, Einstök’s award-winning ales are brewed with the purest water on earth, originating from prehistoric glaciers and rain flows down Hlíðarfjall Mountain, the perfect foundation for brewing deliciously refreshing craft beer.

Drink. Conquer. Repeat.

Go Leafs Go!

This new distribution partnership brings the Einstök portfolio of award-winning craft beers back to Colorado after two exceedingly successful years with its previous distribution partner Tivoli Distributing. Einstök is the only Icelandic beer available in Colorado, and is brewed with pure Icelandic glacier water just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle in the northern Icelandic town of Akureyri.

“We’re excited to partner with Einstök and re-launch their award-winning lineup of beers in Colorado”, said Terry Cekola, Owner & President of Elite Brands. “Einstök already has a great reputation around the state and we look forward to building on that reputation and continuing to share the story of Einstök with Colorado consumers”. Elite Brands will be carrying Einstök’s full portfolio of award-winning beers, including the recently awarded Double Gold Medal Icelandic White Ale. In addition to its flagship witbier, Einstök will also be offering its core portfolio of Arctic Pale Ale, Icelandic Toasted Porter brewed with Icelandic Roasted Coffee, and Icelandic Wee Heavy with Icelandic smoked barley & Angelica root, along with several other seasonal beer-styles to the Colorado market this year.

“We are very pleased to announce Elite Brands as our distribution partner throughout most of Colorado,” said David Altshuler, Founder and CEO. “Elite Brands has a long and proven history as a successful distributor as recognized by the Brewer’s Association last year. We’re really excited to begin our partnership with Elite Brands’ team. Their success is built on strong relationships and exceptional knowledge of the portfolio of brands they represent. We’re really looking forward to a long term successful relationship with Elite.”

About Einstök Beer – Located just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle in the fishing port of Akureyri, Iceland, the Einstök 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.

To learn more about Einstök and to access the Ale Locator, visit www.einstokbeer.com and follow Einstök on Instagram (@einstok), Twitter (@einstokbeer), and Facebook at www.facebook.com/Einstok.

Drink. Conquer. Repeat.

When it’s hot out, a nice cold refreshing beer can be pretty satisfying. Even better is a beer made from Arctic rain and prehistoric glaciers, then filtered through ancient lava fields. It’s no exaggeration. Einstök hails from Akureyri, Iceland which is a mere 60 miles south of the Arctic circle, where the clean flavor of the water is present in all our beers. In this article, Todd Haefer the Beer Man for USA Today Network reviewed our White Ale in which he admits, “This is an ale I would be glad to have on a regular basis.” Check out the whole article here and find Einstök near you: https://einstokbeer.com/ale-locator/

Skál to keeping cool!

The Icelandic national team may be out of the running for the World Cup, but #AdoptIceland lives on. Because it was never just about Iceland. Or about our beer. It was about stoking the fire of the fighting underdog spirit. It was about rooting for the smallest country in history to ever qualify for the Cup. It was about  cheering for the little guy to overcome impossible odds. It was about being a Viking! And it was exhilarating. If the viking clap doesn’t get you pumped up for a match, well, you may need another Einstök. Forbes wrote this epic article about us, Iceland and our campaign to gain American support since the U.S. didn’t qualify. It was really wonderful to read and to see the wave of support across the country.

KTNV’s Morning Blend, all the way out in Las Vegas even featured our #AdoptIceland campaign on their morning news show. If  you want to learn  more, be sure to read this interview with Gudjon Gudmundsson, Einstök’s Managing Director. He said, “Play your heart out guys. Win or lose, we’re proud of you.” And that’s the truth. Because at the end of the day, the love of the game and the love of beer unites us all. And that is what the World Cup is all about in the first place.

Áfram Ísland!