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Beer Break Vol. 1, No. 28
What the way you drink says about you
March 15, 2001
We always thought that what was IN a pint glass tells us a little something
about the people with whom we are drinking.
Now there's a study that tells us we should be looking AT the glass, most
specifically how folks hold their pints. That could reveal many secrets. Last
week several newspapers in the United Kingdom reported on research by Dr.
Aric Sigman, a psychologist and biologist who indentified six basic drinking
poses.
The study was commissioned by Guinness and the results were released for
consumption in the U.K., so the examples have a decidely British bent.
However, we're sure those on this side of the Atlantic will get the idea. The
six categories of drinking demeanor found in male drinkers aged 18 to 40:
Pose 1: Libidinous or sex-mad. Exemplified in the "firm erect grip" round the
middle of the glass, coupled with an arched back, stretching pectoral muscles
and a swaying pelvis, generally making grand gestures with the non
pint-holding hand. Example: singer Robbie Williams.
Pose 2: Self-righteous. Glass held aloft, as if toasting a crowd of adoring
acolytes (or himself), the spare hand rests limply on the hip. Example: Tony
Blair.
Pose 3: Deep thinker. Demands that the drinker stare deeply into the head of
the pint, occasionally fondling it gently with his fingers, giving the
impression the drinker's thoughts are elsewhere. Example: actor Jude Law.
Pose 4: Jack the lad. The glass is grasped like a weapon or trigger, the pint
arm is outstretched, and the arms are often gesticulating. Lots of spillage.
Examples: Oasis stars Liam and Noel Gallagher.
Pose 5: Anal retentive. Cowers protectively over his pint -- arms crossed,
shoulders hunched and on the defensive. Example: EastEnders character Ian
Beale.
Post 6: Henpecked. The drinker holds the pint tilted inwards, near the chin,
with the elbow tucked in as if protecting against unwanted advances. Instead
of bringing the pint to the mouth, this drinker brings his mouth to his pint.
The head remains tilted forward especially if there is an assertive or
dominant admirer nearby. Example: David Beckham.
You might want to check the validity of this study next time you visit your
favorite pub or brewpub, but remember that while you are looking at how
everybody else is holding their pint glass others may be looking at yours.
Tasting notes
WELLINGTON COUNTY IRON DUKE
Brewed by Wellington County Brewery in Canada
Michael Jackson's tasting notes:
Full copper-red color. Toasty, fruity, aroma. Great depth of
flavor. Malt-accented, but beautifully balanced and rounded, with
characteristic ale fruitiness in the middle, and a dry, hoppy, finish.
HOBGOBLIN
Brewed by the Wychwood Brewery in England
Jeff Evans' tasting notes:
A full aroma of treacly malt, sharp fruit, chocolate and hops leads into a
smooth, sweet malt taste with fruit, balancing bitterness and a slightly
chalky, chocolate character coming from roast grain. It tastes its strength
and leaves a warming, gently bittersweet finish with pronounced coffee
flavours. A powerful, well-rounded, reddish-brown brew.
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