If you’re staying in this Saturday, enjoy a documentary and value arts over sports, then chances are you’re an ale drinker, according to new research.
A new study of 1,000 beer drinkers found that the type of beer you prefer may actually reveal a lot more than you think about your personality.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Founders Brewing Company, pitted the two factions of beer against each other and found that lager drinkers — or easygoing beer drinkers who prefer something less hoppy – also tend to be more goal-oriented and sociable.
Lager drinkers are more likely to describe their ideal Saturday night as going out with friends, while ale drinkers lean more towards curling up on the couch and hanging out with Netflix.
Interestingly, lager drinkers report higher stress levels than ale drinkers, which may be because they report that they’re more likely to work hard and show up on time for work.
But despite that, ale drinkers are the more likely bunch to say they’re happy with their job and leading a fulfilling life overall.
Lager lovers also tend to spend more time worrying about their future than their easygoing ale-admiring counterparts, but they are more confident and more likely to love meeting new people.
But no matter what they prefer, beer drinkers tend to be a bit set in their ways, as the average beer drinker hasn’t switched up their favorite beer in four years.
Not only that, over one in three beer drinkers (36 percent) say they’re intimidated by craft beers.
“Our portfolio has a little something for everyone, especially the lager and ale lovers and we hope to break down any resistance to trying new flavors, types and experiences with the right beer in hand,” said Mike Stevens, CEO of Founders. “This year we released Solid Gold as a way to introduce more lager drinkers to craft beer, but we also stand by the success of All Day IPA to offer the most sessionable ale.”
In addition to discovering the differences between lager and ale drinkers, the study also went on to unveil some rather interesting habits of beer drinkers.
For example, the survey revealed that ‘Beer o’clock’ – officially the best time to have a beer, is exactly 6:31 p.m. on a Friday. And, yes, taste really matters. More people are in it for the taste than you may think – 52 percent rank taste first in making their beer selection.
Catching up over a beer is one of American beer drinkers’ favorite pastimes and the study found that how men and women go about those catch-ups varies quite a bit.
For men, 57 percent say their heart-to-hearts with friends over drinks will include talking about the latest sports news, while 46 percent say it also includes talking about movies and TV.
For women, on the other hand, 65 percent reported their heart-to-hearts include gossip about friends, with their dating life being the second most popular topic.
Stevens finds much to relate to in these results: “We encourage all our fans to drink responsibly, but if you’re in the camp that has not changed your beer preference in years it’s time to try something new! It’s never been a better time to be a beer lover. The quality and range of craft beer is so high you’re going to find something you like; whether that’s lager or ale, or an experimental beer like our barrel-aged series, push the boundaries, flex your palate and enjoy the journey.”
How do lager and ale drinkers compare?
LAGER
Average salary: $38,017
Hours of exercise a week: 4
Personality traits: Confident, punctual, goal-oriented, hard-working, worried about future, more stressed, loves meeting new people
Sports or arts?: More likely to be a sports person
Ideal weekend night: Out and about with friends
Cat or dog?: More likely to prefer dogs
TV shows: “Game of Thrones,” “Big Bang Theory, Friends,” “Law & Order,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Walking Dead”
Movie genres: Action, thriller, adventure
ALE
Average salary: $41,318
Hours of exercise a week: 5
Personality traits: More easily frustrated, more easily intimidated, likes being the center of attention, bigger flirt, likes new challenges, happier
Sports or arts?: More likely to be an arts person
Ideal weekend night: Curled up on the couch watching TV/movie or reading a book
Cat or dog?: More likely to prefer cats
TV shows: “Breaking Bad,” “True Blood,” “Parks & Recreation,” “The Bachelor”
Movie genres: Romance, animation, documentary