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Genes may determine your alcohol preference or rather its taste, a new study has found.

Findings published by researchers from the Pennsylvania State report that two different versions of a taste receptor gene decide peoples' sensitivity to bitterness in alcohol. Besides affecting alcohol preferences, this may also delay intake or make people averse to the consumption of alcohol, researchers postulated.

According to Fox News, the TAS2R38 gene was mainly examined by researchers. Another gene TAS2R13 along with TRPV1 was responsible for determining intensity of alcohol taste.

Human genes exist in pairs.  Researchers reported that if an individual has two copies of the highly sensitive version of TAS2R38 gene, alcohol would be perceived as tasting bitter in such individuals. Contrarily, an individual who has two copies of the less sensitive version would find his drink less bitter. Individuals whose gene pair is made of both sensitive and non-sensitive variants, are more likely to have a more reserved reaction to bitterness.

"We would expect about 25 percent of the population to have two of the really sensitive forms, 25 percent insensitive, and 50 percent in the middle," study author Dr. John E. Hayes told Fox News.

Past studies have shown that having the sensitive version of TAS2R38 gene could restrict alcohol consumption. Daily Mail quoted Hayes explaining the role of the burning sensation receptor gene TRPV1.

"Variation in the burn receptor gene TRPV1 has not previously been linked to differences in intake, but we reasoned that this gene might be important as alcohol causes burning sensations in addition to bitterness," he said.

Researchers said that alcohol consumption is not purely restricted by taste perception but by more important factors like culture and choice to overcome any aversion. While knowing taste preferences may give indications of risk in those who may be disposed to excessive consumption, if alcohol dependence has set in, taste does not influence consumption, researchers reported.