Drinking Horn Beer Tasting: Unique Taste Experience

Drinking horns have been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilisations such as the Thracians, Scythians, Greeks and Romans. They are typically made from the horns of bovines, which are hollowed out and crafted into cups. In modern times, drinking horns have become popular again due to their association with Viking culture, often being used to drink beer, mead or ale. Some people believe that beer tastes better out of a drinking horn than a mug or glass due to the unique sensation of drinking from an earthy product.

The taste of beer in a drinking horn is said to be better than in a mug or stein

Drinking horns have been around for at least 2,600 years, and they have been made from horn, metal, and glass by civilizations all over the world. In ancient times, drinking horns were used by the Thracians, Scythians, Greeks, and Romans. In more recent times, drinking horns have been popular in Viking culture and at festivals such as Oktoberfest.

Today, drinking horns are often used for decorative or ceremonial purposes, but some people still enjoy drinking beer from them. It is said that beer tastes better when consumed from a drinking horn than from a mug or stein due to the feeling of drinking from an "earthy product" like an ox horn. The unique shape and material of drinking horns are believed to enhance the flavour and overall drinking experience of beer.

Drinking horns are typically made from the horns of bovines, such as buffalo, cows, or oxen, and they can be left in their natural shape or heat-treated to form a desired shape. The horns are softened by boiling or soaking, and then the inner core, made of marrow, is removed. The horns are then coated with a food-safe sealant and polished to a shine.

Some people who have used drinking horns have reported issues with the texture and smell of the horn, even after cleaning. Additionally, the stands that come with some drinking horns may not always be stable enough to support the weight of the horn when it is filled with liquid. However, many people enjoy the experience of drinking from a horn and find it to be a unique and fun way to consume their favourite beverages.

Additionally, the act of drinking from a horn can evoke a sense of fantasy, such as drinking like a menacing Viking, or it can be a way to connect with ancient cultures that used drinking horns. The shape and size of the horn can also be a factor, as drinking horns often have a larger capacity than mugs or steins, allowing for a more generous serving of beer.

In conclusion, the taste of beer in a drinking horn is said to be better than in a mug or stein due to a combination of factors, including the shape and material of the horn, the drinking experience it provides, and the unique cultural and historical associations it evokes. Whether it is the flavour, the aroma, or simply the feeling of drinking from an "earthy product," drinking horns offer a distinct and enjoyable way to savour a beer.

Drinking horns are made from the horns of bovids

To make a drinking horn, the horn is removed from the bone core, cleaned, and polished. The process of making a drinking horn is similar to that of creating a cornucopia, a horn-shaped vessel in Greek mythology. In antiquity, drinking horns were often fitted with precious metals such as gold and silver.

Drinking horns have a long history, dating back to Classical Antiquity, especially in the Balkans. They were used for ceremonial purposes throughout the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period in parts of Europe, particularly Germanic Europe and the Caucasus. They were also used by the ancient Greeks, Thracians, Scythians, and Vikings.

In Viking culture, drinking horns were passed down from generation to generation, with each generation adding their own decorations and carvings. Drinking horns were used for beer, wine, and mead, and were associated with social gatherings and rituals.

Today, drinking horns are still used in some cultures for ritual toasting and remain a popular symbol of the Vikings and their unique culture.

Drinking horns have been used for thousands of years by various ancient cultures

Drinking horns are known from Classical Antiquity, especially in the Balkans, and remained in use throughout the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period in some parts of Europe, particularly Germanic Europe and the Caucasus. In ancient Greece, the term for a drinking horn was "keras" (plural "kerata"), and they were associated with the god Dionysus, the god of drunken revelry and madness. The ancient Greeks sometimes used clay or wooden vessels shaped like horns, in addition to actual horns.

The Thracians and Scythians were known for their custom of drinking from horns during the Iron Age. In Scythian culture, drinking horns were used by the elite and were often made of precious metals such as gold and silver. These horns were buried with warriors, reflecting their posthumous status.

Drinking horns were also used by the Norse, who are credited with the innovation of fermenting honey to make mead, a beverage they shared with travellers, traders, warriors, family, friends, and enemies. In Norse culture, drinking horns were not only vessels for beverages but also symbols of warrior culture and camaraderie. They were often intricately decorated and passed down as heirlooms.

In Medieval Europe, drinking horns became status symbols, adorned with precious metals and gemstones. They were used by kings, nobles, and knights in ceremonies and feasts to underline their social and political stature. Drinking horns were also used in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and other parts of Africa and Asia, where they held similar cultural and ceremonial significance.

Today, drinking horns continue to be used in various cultural events, renaissance fairs, and even in everyday life by enthusiasts who appreciate their unique aesthetic and historical connection. They have also gained popularity through their portrayal in popular media, often associated with fantasy and historical dramas.

Drinking horns are often associated with Viking culture

In Viking Age mythology, Valkyries—female warriors who choose the men that will die in battle—are often depicted extending drinking horns to slain warriors to welcome them to Valhalla. In real life, female hosts would also extend drinking horns to honoured guests.

Drinking horns were used by the Vikings as everyday drinking vessels, as well as during important gatherings, festivities, and rituals. They were carefully polished, with more exclusive variants bearing elaborate decorations. The Vikings were huge beer drinkers, as barley was one of their staple crops, so it is likely that they drank ale from their drinking horns.

Drinking horns were also used in other ancient cultures. In Greek mythology, the Thracians are descended from Thrax, the son of Ares, the god of war. Drinking horns made of horn or wood were so integral to the Thracian way of life that, for a time, Greeks referred to drinking from a horn as drinking "after the Thracian fashion". The Scythians, on the other hand, used drinking horns made from precious metals or from horn ornamented with metal fittings, designating them as the cups of kings and warriors.

Drinking horns were also used in Roman times, where they were a signal of wealth and power. The popularity of drinking horns spread throughout the massive Roman Empire, eventually reaching Iron Age Celts and Scandinavians, who incorporated the horn into their mythology and religion.

The shape and size of a drinking vessel can influence the taste of beer

The shape and size of a drinking vessel can significantly influence the taste of beer. The design elements, including the base width and angle, glass height, mid-body and throat angle, as well as the lip and opening, all play a role in enhancing the beer-drinking experience.

Wide glasses, for example, tend to 'pull' a beer, emphasising fruity, malty, yeasty and bready flavours. On the other hand, thin bases 'push up' a beer, bringing out spicy, citrus and hoppy flavours. The shape of the glass can also affect how quickly the beer is consumed, as taller, thinner glasses need to be tipped further, which changes the speed at which the liquid moves across the tongue. This can accentuate tart and acidic flavours.

An outward-angled top will allow aromas to dissipate, while an inward angle will trap them. The width of the glass opening will also affect how much access the nose has to these aromas. A wide opening can allow more volatile compounds in the beer to escape, enhancing the smell.

The weight and texture of the glass can also impact the drinking experience. Heavier glasses, such as dimple glasses, can be unpopular with women and are more difficult for bar staff to wash. Lighter glasses are easier to handle and can be stacked and stored more conveniently.

The material of the drinking vessel can also influence the taste of the beer. Glass, horn, earthenware, pewter and metal are all commonly used, and each will impart a different flavour to the beer. For example, one source claims that beer tastes better in a drinking horn than in a mug or stein because of the feeling of drinking from an earthy, natural product.

The size of the drinking vessel also matters. A large drinking horn, for instance, can hold a greater volume of beer, keeping it cooler for longer. This is in contrast to lager beer mugs, where the beer gets warm quickly due to the drinker's hand increasing the warmth of the liquid.

Frequently asked questions