The article points out that Scotland actually falls into the spirit-drinking countries - typically whisky. Unsurprisingly this is almost entirely related to the climate of the countries and the crops that could traditionally be grown.
I'm not sure this is really reflected in reality, perhaps aside from the 65+ generation. I grew up in Scotland, and it was very much a beer drinking culture.
This is addressed in the beginning of the article,
>The alcohol belts refer to the traditional beverages of countries rather than what is most commonly drunk by the populace today, as in terms of drinking habits beer has become the most popular alcoholic drink in the whole world, including various parts of the wine and vodka belts.
