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Profile of a Beer Drinker To many who don’t drink beer, the term “beer drinker” conjures up images of an uneducated slob who does nothing with his free time other than go to bars and watch sports. They think of Homer Simpson, Archie Bunker or Al Bundy. They might consider social A beer drinker might be a doctor, an engineer or an athlete; a man or a woman; a college student, a centenarian, a Baby Boomer or a Generation Xer; Hispanic, Asian, Black, Caucasian or Native American; civilian or military. Whatever the demographic group, beer drinking is not merely about guzzling and getting soused. There are many millions of people who consume suds for much better reasons. First, there is flavor. Drinking beer does not, as some people think, mean that you have no taste. The range of beer flavors is every bit as wide as that of more “classy” drinks. There are dozens of different beer styles: pale ale, stout, hefeweizen, IPA, bock, witbier, barleywine, porter, kölsch, Scotch ale, pilsner, fruit beers, spice beers, and many more. There is a beer for almost any palate. There are those – who do not like beer in general – absolutely love some of the Belgian lambic beers. Maybe this is why I am sometimes apprehensive about people who refuse to drink beer. After all, Hitler did not drink beer. Neither does Osama bin Laden. On a personal note: It appears to me that religion (most wars have started over this) and politics (the rest of the wars) tend to divide, and beer tends to cross all barriers and tends to unite. Wherever there is beer, there is fun. There is something about enjoying a good brew at a social gathering that warms the soul. I do not get this from other beverages. Finally, there’s the people. Most beer drinkers are friendly, fun-loving souls. My fondest social memories involve time spent with other beer drinkers. Whether dancing at parties or just hanging out with my friends, the love of beer has been a constant theme.
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