What is the horn Georgians drink wine from called?
The kantsi and when it is used.
Short answer
The drinking horn in Georgia is called a kantsi (ყანწი); it is made from the horn of a Caucasian tur or a domestic bull and is often decorated with silver. At festive feasts it is used for special toasts, and since a full horn cannot be set down, it is drunk to the bottom. Today it is more often given as a souvenir than used every day.
Why
- A horn's shape means it can't be set down, hence the custom of drinking it all.
- At a Georgian feast the tamada leads the toasts, and the horn is usually brought out for the main ones.
- Silver-trimmed horns are sold in souvenir shops in Tbilisi, Mtskheta and Sighnaghi.
Details
If you don't drink or can't finish a whole horn, politely decline in advance: taking the horn and not finishing it is considered awkward. Before taking a horn abroad, check your destination's rules on items made from animal horn.
People also ask
- What is a Georgian drinking horn called?
This answer is for reference only. Alcohol is sold only to people over 18, and check import limits against your destination country's rules.
Related questions
-
What do people drink in Georgia, and how do Georgians drink wine?
Wine is Georgia's main drink, enjoyed at the table with toasts led by the tamada, from glasses or, on special occasions, a horn.
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Where can you buy good wine in Tbilisi, and how much does it cost?
In Tbilisi, good wine is sold in specialist wine shops and wine bars in the Old Town and Sololaki, in winery brand stores and in large supermarkets.
-
Where can you buy good wine in Batumi, and how much does it cost?
In Batumi, good wine is sold in specialist wine shops, winery brand stores and large supermarkets, where a decent bottle costs roughly 15 to 40 GEL.
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How much wine and alcohol can you take from Georgia to Russia?
You can take wine out of Georgia for personal use, but how much you can bring into Russia is set by Russian rules: an adult can bring up to 3 litres of alcohol duty-free.


