If you’re a big time fan of bitter drinks, such as IPAs, Negronis, Boulevardiers and the like, scientists at the University of Innsbruck in Austria have uncovered that you’re also more likely to exhibit malevolent personality traits. The same is true if you crave black coffee or tonic water. Basically, you’re a psycho.
To come to their conclusion, scientists surveyed 1,000 participants and asked them to rank a variety of foods on a six-point preference scale. Once the foods were ranked, respondents were also asked to complete a personality questionnaire. The results were then scrubbed against each other to determine the results.
The hypothesis was that our taste preferences develop very early in life, just as our personality traits do, and that perhaps the scientists could identify a correlation between the flavors we enjoy and our unique personality traits.
What the researchers uncovered was that the more a person craved bitter flavors, the darker their personality. Scientists believe this correlation exists because we have naturally evolved to see bitter flavors as a warning sign – as bitterness is generally correlated with something that may be toxic or harmful. So in effect, those who prefer bitter flavors may be getting a thrill from tasting something that might be harmful for them. That certainly sounds a bit psychotic to us.
So the next time you’re out with a friend and they order a Double IPA or binge on Negronis, you might want to be a bit wary…or at least don’t take them up on their invitation to visit the Bates Motel.
