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.
>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.