BEER ON TOP . . . BY A BUBBLE

WHEN IT COMES to the ranking of what alcoholic beverages we prefer in this country, beer bests the rest . . . but not by much. A survey conducted by The Harris Poll finds that for nearly four in ten regular drinkers, beer is that beverage of choice (38%) followed by wine (31%) and spirits (28%). Most regular drinkers who say prefer beer today also say it was their go-to alcohol beverage two years ago (83% of those 23+) and ten years ago (73% of those 31+). A majority of today’s spirit choosers say the same as well, with 78% stating they preferred spirits two years ago (of those 23+) and 63% ten years ago (of those 31+). Wine drinkers, on the other hand, tell a slightly different story. While nearly three quarters of today’s wine drinkers say they also preferred wine two years ago (73% of those 23+), just four in ten say the same of ten years ago (44% of those 31+). While beer may be the overall winner, a deeper look shows it is not everyone’s top pick. Beer is favored among men (55%), younger generations (21 to 34, 41%; 35 to 44, 44%; 45 to 54, 42%), and those residing in the South (43%). Wine, however, beats out beer as the top pick among women (46%), adults ages 65+ (42%), and adults in high income households (37%, household income of $1OOK+).