Beer For Conservatives: What's The Right Choice?

Political affiliation and drinking preferences have been linked for years, with surveys and academic studies analysing the relationship between consumer decisions and political leanings. A 2019 study by Will Feltus, a self-described Republican media researcher, found that conservative-leaning drinkers tend to choose macro-beer brands like Budweiser, Coors, Busch, Keystone, and Miller, while liberal-minded shoppers are more likely to opt for craft beers or imports. Another finding from the study was that Republicans tend to prefer low-calorie beers like Michelob Ultra. This stereotype was reinforced by the launch of Conservative Dad's Ultra Right Beer in 2023, a beer marketed specifically towards conservatives as an alternative to woke corporations.

Conservative beer preferences

When it comes to beer, conservatives tend to favour certain brands and styles over others. While individual preferences vary, surveys and academic studies have found some interesting trends in the drinking habits of those with conservative political leanings.

Macro Beers

Conservatives are often associated with well-known macro beer brands. In the United States, for example, studies have shown that conservative-leaning drinkers tend to choose famous macro beers such as Budweiser or Coors. These beers are typically produced by large, established breweries and are widely distributed. While liberals are more likely to opt for craft beers or imports, conservatives seem to prefer the familiarity and accessibility of these classic, domestic beers.

Light and Low-Calorie Beers

Another trend among conservative beer drinkers is a preference for light and low-calorie beers. Michelob Ultra, a low-calorie beer, has been dubbed the "beer of choice" for Republicans. Other light beers that are popular among conservatives include Keystone Light, Busch, Coors, and Miller. This preference for lighter beers may be influenced by a variety of factors, including age, health consciousness, and taste preferences.

Whiskey

In addition to beer, conservatives also show a strong preference for whiskey, particularly bourbon. Studies have found that Republicans are more likely to drink whiskey, including bourbon, Scotch, and Canadian varieties, compared to their Democratic counterparts. This preference for whiskey extends beyond beer and reflects a broader pattern in drinking habits between the two political groups.

Craft Beer Exceptions

While conservatives generally favour macro beers, it's worth noting that some craft beers have gained traction among conservative drinkers. Data from DataQuencher's survey revealed that, in the month leading up to the survey, 42% of conservatives had purchased a craft beer, with popular styles including Barleywine (21%), Amber Ale (25%), Pilsner (28%), and Pale Ale (33%). This indicates that while conservatives may lean towards macro beers, they are not averse to exploring different beer options and can appreciate a well-crafted brew.

Political Branding

An interesting development in the beer preferences of conservatives is the emergence of politically branded beers. For example, "Conservative Dad's Ultra Right Beer" was launched in 2023 as a response to a controversy involving a rival beer company. This "anti-woke" beer company has since expanded its product line, even venturing into the tequila market with a product named "Border Wall Tee-Kee-Laaa". The company donates its proceeds to conservative causes and has positioned itself as an alternative to "woke corporations", catering to conservatives who wish to align their drinking choices with their political beliefs.

Republican beer choices

There are a variety of beer choices that are popular among Republicans. According to a study by Will Feltus, a self-described "Republican media researcher", Republicans tend to prefer light beers such as Michelob Ultra, Keystone Light, Busch, Coors, and Miller. These beers tend to be low in calories, which may appeal to Republicans who are older and more concerned about weight.

In addition to light beers, Republicans also show a strong preference for whiskey, including bourbon, Scotch, and Canadian whiskey. This preference for whiskey is particularly notable among Southern Republicans.

When it comes to craft beer, Republicans may lean towards domestic macro brands, such as Budweiser or Coors. This is in contrast to liberals, who are more likely to choose craft or imported beers. However, it's worth noting that the relationship between political ideology and beer preference is not absolute, and there is some overlap in the types of beer consumed by people from different political backgrounds.

In terms of specific beer styles, Republicans tend to favour Barleywine, Amber Ale, Pilsner, and Pale Ale. These choices may reflect a preference for more traditional and familiar options. Additionally, Republicans are less likely to be interested in Porter/Stout and Sour beers, which may be associated with imported brands or more experimental brewing styles.

Finally, there are also beer brands that explicitly market themselves as conservative or anti-woke, such as Conservative Dad's Ultra Right Beer, which was launched in 2023 in response to a controversy involving a rival beer company.

Beer and political affiliation

Political affiliation and beer preference have been the subject of various surveys and academic studies. While these studies are not exact, they do suggest some trends in the types of beer favoured by conservatives and liberals.

Conservative Beer Preferences

Conservatives are generally found to prefer macro beers from famous brands, such as Budweiser and Coors. They also tend to favour low-calorie beers like Michelob Ultra and Keystone Light. In addition, conservatives are more likely to opt for whiskey, including bourbon, Scotch, and Canadian varieties.

A more recent example of a beer marketed towards conservatives is Conservative Dad's Ultra Right Beer, launched in 2023. Positioning itself as a ""woke-free" alternative to other beer brands, Ultra Right Beer has expanded its product line to include tequila, with its "Border Wall Tee-Kee-Laaa" beverage.

Liberal Beer Preferences

On the other hand, liberals are more likely to choose craft beers and imports. They show a preference for a wider variety of beer styles, including Belgian Ales, IPAs, Pilsners, Amber Ales, and Pale Ales. Additionally, liberals tend to favour wine and spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, and Cognac.

Factors Influencing Beer and Political Affiliation

The connection between political affiliation and beer preference may be influenced by various factors, including education and income levels. Craft beer, for instance, tends to be more expensive, and studies have found that craft beer enthusiasts often have higher incomes than the national average. Education also plays a role, as higher education is generally associated with higher earnings, potentially influencing the affordability and accessibility of different types of beer.

While these studies provide interesting insights, it's important to remember that individual preferences can vary, and beer choices are influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond political affiliation.

Beer and political leanings

It is a well-known stereotype that conservative-leaning drinkers choose famous macro beer brands, while liberal-minded shoppers are more likely to opt for imported or craft beers. However, is there any truth to this?

The Research

Several studies have been conducted to determine whether there is a correlation between political affiliation and beer preference. One such study, conducted by Will Feltus, a self-described "Republican media researcher", found that Republicans tend to prefer light beers such as Michelob Ultra, Keystone Light, Busch, Coors, and Miller. On the other hand, Democrats were found to favour wine and spirits, with centrist Democrats showing a preference for vodka, rum, and tequila.

Another survey by DataQuencher, which polled 1,500 US adults, found similar results. The survey indicated that conservatives drink more macro beers (81% purchase rate) compared to liberals (65% purchase rate). Additionally, craft beer was found to be more popular among liberals (59% purchase rate) than conservatives (39% purchase rate).

The "Classic Loyalist"

One interesting finding from the DataQuencher survey was the identification of the "Classic Loyalist" cohort, who are most likely to say they never drink craft beer. This group tended to have lower education levels and incomes, and scored Budweiser and Miller Lite as their favourite beers. In contrast, the "Beer Enthusiasts", "Craft Supporters", and "Hipsters" cohorts, who had higher education and income levels, showed a preference for craft and imported beers.

The Business Opportunities

The perceived connection between political leanings and beer preferences has not gone unnoticed by the beer industry. For example, in 2023, the conservative beer company Ultra Right Beer launched its product in response to Bud Light's transgender influencer controversy. The company's CEO, Seth Weathers, aka "Conservative Dad", stated that conservatives would no longer support big corporations that use their money to "indoctrinate our children with their woke garbage".

The "Beer Question"

The idea that voters might choose presidential candidates based on who they relate to personally, rather than on policy or the economy, has been dubbed the "beer question". This concept gained popularity among pundits and pollsters following Al Gore's loss in the 2000 US presidential election, despite a strong economy and high satisfaction ratings. It was suggested that voters simply didn't find Gore relatable, and that his Republican opponent, George W. Bush, fared better in terms of the "beer question".

While it is important to acknowledge that individual preferences can vary, the research and surveys presented provide interesting insights into the potential connection between beer choices and political leanings.

Conservative beer companies

Conservative Dad's Ultra Right Beer is a conservative beer company that launched in April 2023. The company was started by Seth Weathers, also known as "Conservative Dad", in response to Bud Light's partnership with a transgender influencer. The company markets itself as "100% woke-free" and "anti-woke".

Ultra Right Beer's flagship product is a classic American lager with 4.8% ABV, made with only four ingredients: water, hops, barley, and yeast. In addition to its beer, the company has expanded its alcohol lineup to include tequila. Its tequila product, "Border Wall Tee-Kee-Laaa", is marketed as "100% agave, additive-free Blanco Tee-Kee-Laaa" and the "perfect drink for patriots". The company has also released limited-edition beer cans featuring former President Trump, which it says have surpassed $1 million in sales.

According to surveys and academic studies, conservative-leaning drinkers tend to choose famous macro beer brands, such as Budweiser or Coors, while liberal-minded drinkers are more likely to opt for craft beer or imports. Research by DataQuencher found that 81% of conservatives purchased macro beer compared to 65% of liberals. However, the same survey showed that 42% of conservatives bought craft beer in the month leading up to the survey, compared to 57% of liberals.

When it comes to specific beer styles, the DataQuencher survey found that the top choices for conservatives included Barleywine (21%), Amber Ale (25%), Pilsner (28%), and Pale Ale (33%). In comparison, liberals preferred Belgian Ales (20%), IPA (22%), Pilsner (25%), Amber Ale (28%), and Pale Ale (42%).

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