IBM’s Watson computer system, which you may remember from the decidedly one-sided man vs. machine Jeopardy! series when it was first unveiled, is now trying its hand as a psychoanalyst. Personality Insights takes sample text and returns a “spectrum of cognitive and social characteristics. With Watson Analyzes This, we see what Watson has to say about our beers from their Beers Page description, then run our own, human-powered analysis of its work.
On the Couch: East IPA
Scandinavian Nickname: “Eepa”
Repressed Memory: Being called a pale ale on the playground of Gambrinus Elementary School
Watson Says:
You are heartfelt, expressive and active.
You are empathetic: you feel what others feel and are compassionate towards them. You are calm under pressure: you handle unexpected events calmly and effectively. And you are self-assured: you tend to feel calm and self-assured.
Your choices are driven by a desire for self-expression.
You care more about making your own path than following what others have done. You consider independence to guide a large part of what you do: you like to set your own goals to decide how to best achieve them.
Doctor Rozmus says:
This description reads like the dependable friend in a movie focusing on a “street-smart” young man “coming of age” and “learning about life’s greatest gifts.” It’s Ben Affleck’s Chuckie Sullivan to Matt Damon’s Will Hunting, or River Phoenix’s Chris Chambers to Wil Wheaton’s Gordie LaChance. And that is a high compliment.
It makes perfect sense for East IPA to be the “heartfelt, expressive, and active” member of your gang. Those hops aren’t without their bitter edges, but at the end of the day it’s more comforting than a friendly arm around your shoulders.
I also agree with the drive for self-expression and fierce independent streak. Traditional British hops may run in East IPA’s veins, but it is powered by an all-American heart that throws a real twist into the mix.
I give this analysis a 9.5 out of 10: Call Your Childhood Best Friend Because A Beer Reminded You To. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Check out Watson’s inner workings here: