When we go out on the weekend, we talk about beer to anyone who pretends to listen. Sadly, this bored populace is overrun by men. This is not to say that women are not interested in beer, because we have run into great female appreciators and brewers.
Nevertheless, talking about beer generally doesn't seem to interest as many women as we would hope. We felt the subject needed serious journalistic investigation, but since no one was available to do that, we decided to put our unique brand of "integrity" to the task.
Talking about gender and beer is a delicate subject to handle. Rather than make up the answers like we usually do, we decided to form a panel of women with varying tastes in beer. We prepared intensely for this once-in-a-lifetime forum. We told everyone we knew, bought beer and pretzels and formulated questions. Two people showed up. We were not thwarted. We picked up our reporter's notepads and diligently covered our beat to uncover the truth about women and beer.
The people we talked to confirmed our thoughts on the social aspect of drinking beer.
"I think it's the stereotypical guy on the couch in front of the TV, drinking beer," 2004 graduate Julie Ziobro said. She added that beer is a big part of college culture, and many women new to the party scene acquire a taste for beer. "You realize it's the only thing around."
But for men, it's a different story.
"Guys are definitely bred to like beer," journalism junior Megan Merritt said. "It goes along with the college scene. If you're at a party and that's all there is to drink, you just go with it."
Merritt, a beer drinker, said most guys are surprised to find out she enjoys beer, and it gives her added respect.
Emily Michalak, a history and education senior, agreed there's a stereotype about guys and beer.
"I know guys who will drink daiquiris or margaritas, but when they're in the presence of other guys, will drink beer so they won't be made fun of," Michalak said.
Being a non-beer drinker, Michalak avoids beer. Yet she insists beer-drinking woman are not victims of reverse stereotypes.
"I think for girls it goes either way," she said. "If you like beer, it's fine, if you don't, it's fine."
There are even further stereotypes about which beers are appropriate for men and women to drink.
"Corona's a girly beer," Ziobro said.
But ales such as Guinness, or mixtures of heavy beers, are what men enjoy, Merritt said.
For deeper insight, we decided to tap into a secret fountain of female beer information. Irene Dmetroshko, who has been a beer consumer since the 1950s, has a unique approach on the difference in the appeal of beer between men and women.
"(Men) prefer beer because they can gulp it down," Dmetroshko said. "Men like to swallow heavy, women don't - they like to sip."
Dmetroshko, a recent recipient of the "Coolest Grandma Ever" award from Matt, began to enjoy beer on a regular basis in her 40s. Before then, besides having a home-brewing stepfather, she avoided most beers and had little urge to try them. Liquors were her fancy because of their ability to mix well with other flavors.
"With liquor, it always was mixed, so I was able to take it easier," she said.
Her habits changed when she discovered lighter beers offered easy drinking and smooth taste. Also, the versatility of beer helped to convert her taste buds, offering a drink that could go alone and with most meals.
"It's a liquid I can take with dinner and doesn't conflict with the meal on my plate," Dmetroshko said. "If I'm eating a lot of greasy food, then perhaps even a dark lager."
Our thought is that if it weren't for the stereotype about who should like beer and who shouldn't, Grandma's words would hold true for most people.
Sometimes beer hits the spot and sometimes you'd just like something different.
Got more insight into women? We're pretty much stuck. E-mail us at drinkingbuddies@beer.com.
