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.

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.