Thoughts and comments about Michael Jackson's life and death. Please feel free to share your reminiscences about Michael Jackson. In his friendships, his speeches and his writing, he changed the world of beer. We plan to publish some of these tributes in All About Beer Magazine to reach the wider audience who loved his work. » Add your input

When the Brewing World wakes up one day it will realise the debt it owes to its greatest orator. Michael Jackson died yesterday and for me the greatest sadness of this loss is that despite him achieving all he wanted to achieve in the United States his legacy to the British brewing industry will remain questioned, and his passing will not generate the emotional earthquakes that it will in the United States. This is a tragedy, for it is the people of his homeland that owe a huge debt to Michael for is unwavering and selfless pursuit of the celebration of beer. For me he was the great inspiration, he turned base metal in to gold with his writing. Not only was it full of articulate observation of the character of beer itself but it wove in to its nature the history of the peoples and society that created it. He brought beer alive by showing to us all that what was present in a glass was more than just a liquid, it was a story, a triumph and would always provide a moment to savour, to uplift and to foster fun and reverence. His honesty and forthright appraisal with what was wrong in the British brewing fraternity was too much for many, and shunned by his own homeland he was equally emphatically celebrated as a hero in the New World. In the US he was the first object of attention for the Beer Groupie! To a large extent what he achieved in the US - bastion of the bland circa 1980, the most creative brewing fraternity in the world now - will indirectly help shake his homeland into the creative vein he always wanted to see. American micro-brewing has spawned a new generation of young brewers in the UK who refuse to accept blandness and mediocrity, and it is these people who owe the greatest debt to The Beer Hunter. My memories of him go back a long way. Originally his Pocket Guide to Beer acted as my Inter-rail guide through Europe in 1980, it showed me European history through a beer glass, and woke within me a desire to create great beer for a British populace that was being sold short by the keg revolution and ersatz brewed-under-licence fizz. Ten years later, having travelled a brewing odyssey through Europe and the States I sat in a cafe and read a full page review he had written in the Independent of my first British Brewing exploit at the Packhorse Brewing Company in Ashford. I read it and wondered how he managed to spin together anecdotes of Kentish hop culture, Ashford medieval past and the pure German tradition that inspired my first brews. It humbled the simplicity of my reasonably mediocre creations. This is when I learnt my first Michael Jackson lesson He never, ever criticised the nature of beer publicly, even if it fell short of what he felt right at the time. The second lesson he bestowed on me three years later. I took him my own personal tour of Bavaria, a key theme of which was my lament upon the lack of hefeweizen in the UK. He was insistent that when we returned I should brew a clear or Crystal-Weizen, and slowly but surely introduce the British public to a taste that would only be acquired if presented incrementally with encouragement and persuasion. Hefe-Weizen, in its unadulterated form is now ubiquitous. It was on this trip where Michaelâs surgical wit and unabashed honesty knocked myself and others back in a scene worth recounting. We were with Georg Schneider VI at his Weiss Beer Brewery in Kelheim, a shrine to the history of wheat beer brewing. Frau Schneider had proudly introduced us to the new ad campaign, which, to be frank, struck a very Bavarian note. The lead poster was of a huge blond haired, brown skinned farmhand Adonis wearing lederhosen and carrying a bale of wheat on his shoulder: a sort of Bavarian Chippendale. When Frau Schneider asked Michael what he thought he responded in his quiet clear and composed voice "Frau Schneider, it is far too Nazi." Countless more lessons were learnt when I first judged beer with him at the Great American Beer Festival in 1995. His peerless objective appraisal of beer and the generosity he showed to young aspiring brewers and fellow judges meant sitting at hisâ table to judge a flight of beers was a gold ticket, and as a young brewer at the time, one I can't forget. He was teaching and leading a generation of brewers in the United States that are currently setting new creative standards in the brewing world. Tomme Arthur, Vini Cilurzo, Tom Nickel to name but a few. This is the legacy that Michael Jackson's work will leave the brewing world. A new generation of Brewers who slowly and indirectly will raise the standards and variety of beer in his homeland, and for a Yorkshireman, who as they say in Lancashire "would prefer a good gripe to a five pound note," this is an act of generosity typically untypical of the man himself. Every time I drink a Rochefort 12 Michael I will make a toast to you. Thanks for everything. Posted by: Alastair Hook, Brewmaster, Meantime Brewing Co, London - Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 11:29:41 Like a generation of drinkers,my interest in beer had stepped up a few gears after 'The Beer Hunter'. Then,in 1997 I became a 'beer professional' as I took over the buying of beer for Safeway,the UK grocery chain . I then met Michael Jackson a few times over the next five years at various beer events but in the fall of 2002,I bumped into him in the corridor of the Denver hotel where the GABF was being held. Looking surprised,he asked "What brings you here?" "I'm here to judge.It's my first time and I'm pretty nervous about it". We spent an hour on that spot talking about beer,life and other related topics,in which time he reassured me the other,experienced judges were very collegiate and be very welcoming.He was right and none more so than he. I was all set then as I'd join my peers:me,a smart ass,know-it-all buyer and the Beer Hunter. Peers? In the same way Brazil and Puerto Rico can both be in the Soccer World Cup and Britney Spears and Joni Mitchell are female singers! I became good friends with Michael over the years as we shared an interest in food,drink,music and a love of America.I'm sure a large part of my book and CD collection is at Michael's and vice versa. We'd often eat and drink and visit jazz clubs around London and when we were both Stateside we'd try to meet up but he was so popular it was a rarity to socialize.Non-American friends were always amazed when I told them how difficult it was for Michael to walk around a beer event as he was stopped for autographs,photographs and book signings.And simply to chat. Earlier this year I spent four weeks visiting Californian breweries between San Diego and Fortuna and Michael asked I kept him updated on my trip .He hadn't been there for a few years and recently we were talking about a Californian tour sometime soon with me as chauffeur.And,closer to home,a trip to Bathams brewery in England's Midlands was one to be planned.Next lifetime! Michael just exuded humility,knowledge and wisdom. One thing our mothers taught us was the principle of "If you can't saying anything nice about someone,don't say anything at all". I never once heard him badmouth a beer,brewer,brewery or fellow journalist and author. His knowledge of life was unsurpassed and his ability to entertain second to none.Those at the awards ceremony of the 2006 World Beer Cup in Seattle will remember his keynote speech,paraphrased thus : "Beer is made to be enjoyed.Make it balanced and don't analyse it to death". Simple but often forgotten. I was at his funeral along with his families and other friends.His passing was very sad but the service at Mortlake crematorium,the wake at Fullers brewery and final drink at the Andover Arms made us realise how lucky and priveleged we all were to know him. I was on holiday in Scotland when he died and scheduled to meet him the following Thursday him to drink some of the beers I'd brought back.I think I'll drink them on the Sunday(09/30) that America raises a glass to Michael Jackson. We all miss him ! Posted by: Glenn Payne, Beer2Love and late of Safeway - Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 07:34:39 Pauline Hayes, Michael's Housekeeper for the past 8 1/2 years, does not have a computer, but has asked that the following posting be made in her name: "I'd like to say thank you to everybody who was there [at Michael Jackson's Funeral Service on September 14, 2007] and to everybody that I met through Michael on his special day. My thoughts are also with all those people who could not attend. It was a privilege to be a part of Michael's life and to know him like I did as a very dear friend, even though I had no part in the whiskey or beer part of his life. My thoughts are with everybody. My little bit of joy in his life was doing his garden and caring for his home. With most heartfelt wishes to everybody, Pauline Hayes, his housekeeper of many years." Posted by: Pauline Hayes, Michael Jackson's Housekeeper - Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 23:32:31 I first met Michael at the Craigellachie Hotel in Speyside seven years ago and he was so easy to speak to and such a Gentleman. I have enjoyed reading his books and articles for many years and it was grat to meet him. When I told him where I was from (Saddleworth) He told me that he use to live just over the hill in Huddersfield working on a newspaper there the examiner and he recalled his boss always telling him not to 'Miss the milk train'. He was up there tasting the spirit from the Benromach distillery that had been re-opened by Gordon and Macphail. A real gentleman that will be sadly missed. Posted by: Andy Sutherland - Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 16:32:07 Michael Jackson was an Icon in both the beer and whisk(e)y having written extensively on both, with a passion and humor unmatched by anyone. He will be sorely missed by all of us. We hope there is beer (and whiskey) in heaven and Michael is taking notes for the rest of us. His breadth of expertise, humor and class made his writing and speaking irreplaceable. The beer and whiskey worlds have lost their most articulate spokesperson. The love, passion and dedication to his subject and trade were unmatchable, he was the master. He was considered one of the(if not the) experts on Single Malt Whiskey(read Scotch)and Whisk(e)y in general. I think he was equally as big in the spirit world as the beer one - and also (to our loss) there are a damn sight fewer spirits writers/experts than beer people. Michael was the Cyrano de Bergerac of Beer and Whisk(e)y,his prose about something approached high art in writing and his enthusiasm was contagious. It inspired myself and scores of others to explore and write about beer and whisk(e)y enticing us into the world of malt beverages and ink with nary a backward glance. Our only solace is that we know Michael will have the beer and whisk(e)y sorted out by the time we join him. Posted by: Christopher Carlsson, Spirits Review - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 00:57:35 The first time I met Michael Jackson was in Helsinki, during the Helsinki Beer Festival in 2004. I was honoured to get to know him better last April when he was visiting the Festival again. I really enjoyed the time I spent with him as his hostess or "bodyguard" as he jokingly called me. I was impressed by the way he treated other people, he was never rude to anybody. He had a great sense of humour and an unbelievable skill to make other people feel special. I will miss the great beer and whiskey expert, but the most of all I will miss his great personality. He encouraged me and other people in so many ways. We often spoke about London, and he insisted that I should visit him the next time I was in London, but I missed the opportunity, and I will regret it forever. He will always be in my thoughts. Posted by: Sanna Ahtiainen - Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 09:31:23 It was Michael's The World Guide to Beer that served as a guide to us in starting Phoenix Imports, Ltd. some 22 years ago. And our fondest memories of Michael go back to 1987 when he lived with us for ten days. He was not well known on the East coast at that time and asked us if we could help rectify that. So we set up a series of tastings which included the Brickskeller and an organization known as Beers International, run by another dear departed friend, Richie Stolarz. Michael was working on his first revision to the World Guide at the time, and our dinner table was soon covered with galley proofs, notes and photos. But despite the time he spent on it, beer was certainly not his whole life. We talked of many other things he loved, especially Pat (Paddy) and Sam. He introduced my Pat to bagels, and she introduced him to Berger cookies. Both agreed it was a fair trade. Michael, we'll be thinking of you, always. Cheers, George & Pat Saxon Posted by: George Saxon - Monday, September 10, 2007 at 14:38:33 Michael was my mentor, when it came to learning and writing about beer and whisky. His books were like bibles to me, just like they were for many of you. He inspired me to go to Scotland and Belgium in the early 1990s back when single malts and Belgian beers were not popular. He opened new worlds of drink to me, for which I will be forever grateful. Michael also taught me to be a responsible journalist. One of my first writing assignments was for a small supplement of All About Beer magazine called Suds 'n Stuff. (Actually it wasn't even an assignment. I wrote something up about Belgian beers, sent it to then publisher Mike Bosak unsolicited, and he published it.) A couple years later when I started up Malt Advocate, I called Michael and asked him if he would write for us. He brought up that beer piece I wrote and told me that he read it and it looked very familiar to him. In fact, he said it was similar to what he wrote in his book. I told him it was probably because much of the information I gathered for my article came from his book. Then he asked, "Have you ever even been to Belgium?" I said, "No, I haven't." "Then you should go," he said. I realized then if I was going to be a good journalist, I needed to travel to the breweries and distilleries to learn about the products. I have since logged in many frequent flyer miles, traveling around the world. Through my travels, I learned that it's not just the product, but the people who make the products and the cultures where they live that captures the essence of a given drink. I owe this to Michael. Michael was also very supportive of Malt Advocate. He was the busiest guy in the business, but he somehow managed to find time to write for us-even back in our early days when I could hardly pay him anything. And he didn't just write for us. We would spend hours in pubs-often after some press event-over a pint or dram and he would offer advice on how to improve the magazine. Very quickly, Michael and I became friends. Whenever I was in London-or if he was near my hometown just north of Philadelphia-we would try to sneak out for a drink someplace quiet and escape all the activities that were going on. We spent lazy afternoons in The Dove, an old pub overlooking the Thames just down from the Fullers Brewery and a brief stroll from his home. On one particular afternoon, we were on finishing our second pint of Chiswick Bitter, when I asked him if he wanted to join me in a third. He said that he better make it just a half pint. When I asked why, he replied, "I have to taste 26 vodkas and write up a piece for The Independent that's due by the end of the day." I just looked at him and laughed. I remember fondly a Sunday in winter when the Standard Tap in Philadelphia opened up early in the afternoon just so Michael and I could visit. (They opened up for him, not me.) He wanted to visit the Standard Tap, and his only free time was that afternoon. It was just the two of us, along with the bar manager, sitting at the bar, sampling local beers, and chatting about whatever came to mind. Michael was a regular guy, just like the rest of us-hanging out and enjoying a couple of beers with a friend. We shared our passions about non-work related issues. And he had many passions that ran the gamut from rugby, to jazz, to cats. One weekend when Michael stayed at my house, I think he spent more time looking for and playing with our cat Cosmo than he did with us. One night we were late for a beer dinner that he was hosting nearby. We searched all over the house for Michael, but couldn't find him. I was concerned that something happened to him. We found him out in our back yard playing with Cosmo, oblivious to everything else. Michael was human, too, like the rest of us. For reasons I will never understand, he always seemed insecure about his career. He was so busy because he had difficulty turning down new assignments. While he never admitted it, it he seemed to fear that someone would take over his spot on top of beer and whisky journalism and he would be left out in the cold, unemployed. So many times I would encourage him to just say "No" to people. I would tell him that there's only one Michael Jackson, and there will only ever be one Michael Jackson. And then there was his Parkinson's disease. Michael confided in me about this many years ago, because I was also suffering from some health issues at the time and we would share our trials and tribulations. I kept encouraging him to come "out of the closet" with his problem, because his Parkinson's would make him look like he was drunk. He wasn't. The discussions about our mutual health issues, along with our friendship over the years, were the reason why he chose Malt Advocate to formally reveal his condition earlier this year. I'm glad that he finally did. Writing this, I am deeply saddened, because I know that Michael had so much more to share with us. I also have a heavy heart, because I lost a very good friend. Posted by: John Hansell, Malt Advocate magazine - Monday, September 10, 2007 at 14:06:18 I had the pleasure of meeting Michael 15 years ago at one of Richie Stolarz's events in New Jersey. He was a master at making everyone feel comfortable with his easy and humorous lecturing. Over the next couple of years I would always bring whatever homebrews I had to have Michael taste them. A little before Climax Brewery opened, my partner, Dave, picked Michael up after an event in NY to bring him to visit our brewery with the stipulation that we would then drive him down to Washington, DC for a beer dinner later that night at The Rathskellar. Michael was very supportive of our beers and wished us all the luck in the world. I'll never forget that four-hour drive to DC with Michael. He was such a wealth of knowledge and so easy to relate to. I still have a copy of the speeding ticket I got for traveling a little too fast that Michael later signed for me. I saw Michael one or two times a year after that and I have a number of photos of him that I'll always cherish. The last time I saw him was in NY at the 2007 Belgium beer tasting at the Heartland Brewpub. Rest in peace Michael! We'll all raise a glass in your honor. Posted by: Karl Mende - Friend of Beer - Climax Brewery Founder - Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 12:49:53 I am not amazed by this many reactons - Michael created beer writing, and inspired so much us beerlovers, beerwriters and publishers. He is now in heaven making a hard choice between Duvel, Lucifer, Satan or Abdis, Pater Lieven, Serafijn or Witkap. What a man! He deserves his statue on Brussels' Grand Place for all the work he did for Belgian beer. He was the most kind and intelligent man I have ever met in my life. Cheers to Michael in heaven, Ben Vinken Publisher Beer Passion Magazine and " The Great beers of Belgium" www.beerpassion.com Posted by: Ben Vinken - Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 06:07:06 I had the privilege to attend a beer tasting hosted by Michael Jackson in Fort Worth Tx.I truly learned a great deal that time and will always look back on that evening with thte fondest of memories...May his beer glass never be empty................. Posted by: Flying Saucer Beer Emporium - Friday, September 07, 2007 at 22:31:46 (EDT) A few years ago Michael Jackson was a bit put out with Duvel Moortgat for buying Brewery Ommegang. Not because it was Duvel, but because he was friends with Don and Wendy, who started up Ommegang (albeit with Duvel's help) and he was loyal to his friends. I didn't get into the business of craft beer until a year after the sale went through. Soon after, I first met Michael and told him where I was from. He was gracious, kind, and willing to listen to what I had to say. I'm sure I sounded like a little puppy lost in the woods but he listened and talked with me. I learned quite a bit about beer and generosity in one sitting. Eventually he came back around to being Ommegang's good friend, but I don't think it was because we tried to woo him. It was because of the beer. He kept tabs on it and eventually decided we were still committed to doing good things. I only talked with him a few more times, but I always found him knowledgeable, charming, open minded, and accessible. No one can possibly replace him, so here's a wish of good luck and a lift of the glass to the ten people it will take to fill his shoes. Posted by: Larry Bennett, Brewery Ommegang - Wednesday, September 05, 2007 at 21:12:13 (EDT) Michael Jackson was an adventurer when it came to food, beer and life's experiences. I had the chance to mush with Michael on a dog sled in Eagle River, Alaska. It was 20 below zero without wind-chill, the dogs were loud, high-strung and had a bit of flatulence from their high-calorie diet. As Michael was getting in the sled, I told Michael about a humorous mushing adage, "If you aren't the lead dog the scenery never changes." Even with the dog's obvious flatulence, Michael was game for following these spirited eight dogs. Off we went and it was spectacular. We all had a blast, and it was fun to see Michael laughing and having fun in such an obviously different setting. However, after the mushing Michael mentioned his preference for cats and hoped that none of his cat-loving friends would see any pictures with him smiling amidst the dog sled team. Michael, I know the cat-loving side of you might take offense, but to me you are the lead dog and you have changed the scenery for many who have followed you. Thank you, Michael. Posted by: Geoff Larson - Wednesday, September 05, 2007 at 20:46:49 (EDT) His knowledge of malt whisky opened up a complet new world for me. This, along with the history of its beginings in scotland are a real credit to his memory.He will be sorely missed ,but we have his memory and his many books. I give thanks for that.Mr J.Jackson Posted by: john jackson - Wednesday, September 05, 2007 at 18:37:24 (EDT) Reverence & Gratitude. Posted by: -jussi - Wednesday, September 05, 2007 at 10:20:53 (EDT) Michael Jackson has enlivened and educated the palates of millions of fortunate beer drinkers who have read his writings and heard his voice on radio and television. More than a billion smiles have crossed the lips of thirsty beer hunters around the globe as a direct result of each glorious new beer tasted at Michael Jackson’s suggestion. I started home brewing at college in 1978. But it was Michael Jackson’s first book that gave me a direction back in 1979 when I wanted to embark on a lasting and enjoyable career. As a result, I have been selling quality beer for the last 24 years. Michael Jackson wrote me on 17 Sept ‘86, “Do I get credit, or blame, for your occupation?” Well, Michael, yes you do! And for that I will be forever grateful. Rest in Peace, my fine old friend, eternally quenched by heavenly vintage ales. Posted by: Ed Chainey, Anderson Valley Brewing Co. - Wednesday, September 05, 2007 at 01:36:32 (EDT) Inspiring thousands of people around the world to enjoy and share. Michael is a great teacher of appreciation and honest craftsmanship. Michael Jackson’s life on this earth will go on forever. Posted by: Mike McDanield - Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 17:12:34 (EDT) We will miss Michael at Penn Brewery. He was the first writer of national importance that gave us the time of day. I remember after his first visit here how he loved our Kaiser Pils. It hadn't even been filtered yet but from his experiences knew what it would taste like. One of the nicest things he did for us was include our Penn Maerzen in his list of his 24 favorite American beers. I always thought he prefered the English and Belgian style beers but at least he was fair. And Oh yes, that tie. The famous Michael Jackson tie. I hope they put that in a museum somewhere. It must have a bit of everyone's beer in it. That tie could be a beer museum by itself. Farewell my friend. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. Cheers to you as we raise our glasses one more time. Tom Pastorius Penn Brewery Posted by: Tom Pastorius, Penn Brewery - Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 13:22:20 (EDT) Amicable, literate, curious, helpful, broadminded, entertaining and tireless. That’s how I remember you. It was an honor to know you, Michael. Posted by: Kari - Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 08:56:59 (EDT) Knowing, working, bridging cultures and laughs with Michael - honours from years with Suntory. Sleep well dear witty pal. Shuna Posted by: Shuna - Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 06:56:18 (EDT) Michael was a great friend. At a dinner table we hardly ever discussed beer. Films and other arts. He was grateful for me to introduce him new London restaurants as everything in palate fascinated him. As a true Labour supporter, he disliked the Tony government. And he called me a "lager lout" as I support Chelsea FC instead of his beloved Rugby. And Michael enjoyed and knew his wine as well, although he never wrote about the subject. In April this year I had the possibility to host Michael twice in Helsinki, first for my anniversary and then the beer festival. Thank you for everything over the years, dear friend. Kippis! Posted by: Mikko Montonen, Helsinki - Monday, September 03, 2007 at 17:45:54 (EDT) In a classic line from the movie Gladiator, Maximus says, "Death smiles at us all; the best we can do is smile back." My money says Michael smiled back, raised a glass and said, "Cheers." We should all be so brave. Posted by: Kurt Epps--The PubScout - Monday, September 03, 2007 at 09:34:27 (EDT) I never met Michael Jackson. Always wanted to, but it never worked out. I don't write about beer, judge at GABF, or brew. All I do is drink the best beer I can get, at any time or place. And the reason I can do this, why millions of people do this, is because of him. His writings insipred millions of people to demand good beer, and inspired countless thousands to make and to sell good beer. People like him change lives for the better, and they are few and far between in whatever fields they inhabit. We treasure them when they are here, and miss them deeply when they are gone. I drank an Ebulum in a Sam Smith, rose-encrusted pint glass today in honor of this Yorkshire-bred, cosmopolitan man. Thanks, Mr. Jackson, for enriching our lives in the short time you walked the Earth. Posted by: Henry Olsen - Sunday, September 02, 2007 at 23:15:40 (EDT) I had the honor of serving Michael when I was a bartender many years ago, been to a couple of his tastings and once was even tapped to be a "Whisky Wrangler" for him after a beer dinner in Austin. I'll never forget standing on the sidewalk calling all the restaurants in town with a decent whisky selection. It was Sunday night, almost 10PM and I had the world's foremost expert on Single Malt standing with me waiting to find out where we were going. Call after call to places answered by answering machines "Our normal hours of operation..." Finally I get through to a place with a great Whisky selection but they are about to close. I tried to explain to the poor Hostperson who I had with me, she didn't understand. Finally I pleaded with her to let her manager know I had Michael Jackson with me and he wanted to come drink a few Single Malts (he was in the process of updating "Single Malt Companion" at the time). She went to ask, a minute or so later I get my answer "NO, WE'RE CLOSING!" followed by a slam of the phone with no chance for an explanation. I guess they thought we had the gloved one with us and wanted no part of that. I was working at the Dog & Duck Pub at the time and we had just put in liquor. We had a very limited Whisky selection, but the owner, Billy Forrester, had just started a "Malt of the Moment" selection so we headed there. We drank the last of the current "Malt of the Moment" and had the honor of letting Michael pick the next one from our meager selection. He picked an Ardbeg and we broke out that bottle and sampled some more. It was a very memorable evening for me drinking the world's greatest Islay Malt with the world's greatest Whisky expert. Years later Michael paid us a visit a few months after we had opened our first store. He came upstairs to the "Whisky Bar" and sat at the bar. Once again I was behind the bar serving Mr. Jackson only this time as a publican and not a bartender. I asked him what he wanted to try. He asked me to choose for him. I looked over our selection and picked a 21 year old Ledaig from the Isle of Mull and handed it to him. He looked at it and said "you served me Ledaig the last time I was with you." Now I was worried, has all the whisky started to get to him? No I said "that was Ardbeg." Mr. Jackson corrected me "No, first you served Ledaig and then you served Ardbeg." He was right! On our last encounter we first finished off some Ledaig and then he had selected the Ardbeg. There was no confusion with him where Whisky was concerned. I've always regretted never getting a picture that night, even more so now. The memory of him there that night is one I'll never forget however. Slainté Mhath Michael! Michael Parker Opal Divine's Freehouse www.opaldivines.com Posted by: Michael Parker, Opal Divine's Freehouse - Sunday, September 02, 2007 at 19:27:11 (EDT) August 30, 2007. Yet another day in which to live, infamy-wise. A day that began with frantic e-mails and phone calls, settling quickly into notes of consolation and reminiscences. Many thanks to Daniel and Julie for being up three hours earlier than we left coasters and doing such a terribly gracious job of funneling an outpouring of grief and gratitude on their Web site. Mort Subite indeed. Poetic, playful, precise and final. MJ gets the last word always. Michael was 65. As he was a mere three months older than I am, this mortality issue rings even more soundly. Sure, 65 is the new 50. Whatever. I'm sure that in Michael's mind he was still serviceably at the ready on the sidelines of his beloved rugby league (please, not to mention those pampered patrician twits of rugby union) to go in, should a team need a fresh winger. I picture him now at the bottom of a heavenly scrum in the sky — sweaty, dirty and disheveled but with a broad grin of ground-gaining satisfaction on his face. Part of this day was spent digging though files and folders, looking at photos that haven't been seen in many years. A few can now be viewed on our Web site, but the process is slow and painful. There are many more tributes and floods of photos yet to be posted and published. Meanwhile, an anguished beer world tries to come to grips with an unspeakable loss. Those who knew Michael and those who met or knew of him can keep his memory and message alive among brewers and beer lovers yet to come, who now will never have the pleasure of his conversation, the honor of his evaluation of their work, or the inspiration from his magnificent digressional desultory orations. Shalom, Michael. Tom Dalldorf Celebrator Beer News Posted by: Tom Dalldorf, Celebrator Beer News - Sunday, September 02, 2007 at 16:41:18 (EDT) To you. Cheers. Posted by: Timbo - Sunday, September 02, 2007 at 04:02:35 (EDT) When I read the news about the passing of Michael Jackson, I, like all of us who had the distinct pleasure of encountering Michael in one form or another in our lives, felt the deep sadness and pain of a loss of such a special soul. Through his work, his words, and his actions, MJ touched and inspired the lives of more people than I think even he could every fathom. And I think, in typical Jacksonian fashion, Michael would be humbled by it, and would have us convinced that we were the ones that touched him. I have been reading the tributes and stories of those who MJ has touched, and it seems the one constant, is the fact that Michael Jackson, simply put, was a decent, caring, honest human being. He had a very special gift of bringing out the best of people, and making you feel instantly comfortable and at ease with him. We all know MJ was as human as the rest of us, but it is clear that he has left a mark on this earth, and that his too brief time spent here was to do good. Like others, most of my experiences with MJ were beer related, but I did have one unique encounter that just a select group of people in every country MJ visited had. To those who did not know who MJ was, this encounter would have been nothing out of the ordinary, routine at best. But to someone who loved, respected, and admired Michael and his work, it was a memory that would last a life time. A few years back I was working for what was called the Immigration and Naturalization Service. As an Immigration Inspector, I had literally inspected hundreds of thousands of people over the years seeking entry into the United States, including dozens of "celebrities" from every field you could imagine. I have inspected some pretty "important" and "famous" people, but being a die hard beer lover, which of course translates into one of the thousands of MJ's fans, I often wondered what it would be like to inspect the Beer Hunter. He had frequently traveled to my port of entry, and the odds were he and I had been in the same inspection hall on more than one occasion, but I never inspected him. The beer gods must did me a favor on day, because one evening, up walks MJ to my booth, presenting himself, along with his UK passport for admission to the United States. I started my inspection with "I know you, you are Michael Jackson, The Beer Hunter." He smiled, and seemed a bit amused to be greeted to the United States with instant recognition. It was GABF time, and Denver, CO was his final destination, so there was no reason to ask him: "What is the purpose of your trip to the United States"? I told MJ that it was a pleasure to have meet and chatted with him at a beer dinner years earlier, and to have listened to him lecture at on a few occasions at some of his tastings. I of course told him how much I admired his work, and he thanked me very genuinely, for my support of him. I inquired as to any projects in the work. He informed me that whiskey, not beer, was interesting the market at the moment, and that he had a book on whiskey in the works. I thanked him again, for opening my eyes to the wonders of the beer world, and all its treasures. MJ left me with, "It is like when soldiers went off to war. When they came home, the farmer's daughter was just not the same." We shook hands, and he was off to judge at another GABF. Thank you for everything you gave us all Michael, and when my time comes, I hope you have the pints ready, and we can share one again. "just a drinker" who owes his love and passion for beer all to you. Posted by: "just a drinker" - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 23:30:36 (EDT) I have 3 things that I'll always remember about Michael Jackson: 1. Shortly after Bill Millar and I had started the San Andreas Brewing Company, we were treated to a visit by Michael Jackson. We served him all our beers, and he seemed somewhat indifferent. We found out later that we blew it by not serving him some of our food to go with the beers!! A lesson learned, for sure. But, as he was leaving, he did pay us some very nice compliments on our beers, especially some of our special releases, like our Stout and Woodruff Ale. His visit was a very special thing for us, and it really made us feel like we had made it in the beer business. 2. The very first beer dinner I ever went to was hosted by Michael Jackson in San Francisco. This event drove the point home to me that good beers were meant to be paired with good food, it was a wonderful event. 3. Later, when I was with Anheuser-Busch, and we were just getting started with the Specialty Brewing Group, and trying to do some craft brewing, Michael Jackson visited the brewery headquarters in St. Louis. I remember him telling AAB III and the rest of us that to really be successful in brewing craft beers, the brewers should be the ones making the decisions on what beers we should be brewing! I could have kissed the man right there! The Senior Managers took his advice to heart....for about a day, after which the marketing juggernaut quickly regained control over what beers we would release to the market. Michael Jackson's books have been my bibles for beer style information over the years, and I never hesitate to give praise to the man who, in my mind, is the primary source of inspiration for all the brewers of our generation. Posted by: Mitch Steele, Stone Brewing Company - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 18:43:21 (EDT) Michael was an amazing person. When I was publishing Southern Draft Brew News he became a good friend, someone that I could always count on for beer facts and honest critiquing of our brewspaper. I spent 3-weeks traveling around the Southeastern United States with Michael as he gathered beer and brewery information for one of his books. The one thing that I will always remember abut Michael is how vast his knowledge was on literally everything. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Posted by: Phil Doersam - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 18:39:09 (EDT) I was shocked to hear of the passing of The Beer Hunter. Never having the pleasure of meeting the man, but feeling that I knew him because of his writing. My wife bought me the Michael Jackson glassware set a few years back because she didn't know what else to get me for my birthday. So last night, on my deck, the MJackson tasting glass came out. I filled it with a 2004 La Fin Du Monde and had a bottle of silence for the man. Prosit. Posted by: jvac (suscriber) - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 17:43:15 (EDT) I am blessed to have done many events with Michael. I was first introduced to him by the late great Richie Stolarz another great mentor of mine. We were doing one of my first beer dinners at my past restaurant in NJ the dinner was a success and a friendship began. He always showed a great respect for my passion for cooking with beer and encouraged me to purue it. Now over 15 years later a 100 dinners, demos, trips to all over and of course sharing that same passion through my columns especially in Ale Street News Michaels influence and advice has paid off not only to me but to the whole beer world.Thank you Michael you will be greatly missed. Have a beer with Richie for me. We love you. Cheers Tim Schafer The Brew Chef Posted by: Tim Schafer The Brew Chef - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 15:06:23 (EDT) While I never had the pleasure of meeting Michael in person, I had the pleasure of reading some of his books and articles. When I worked in a bookstore and people asked for a beer book recommendation, I usually handed them one of Michael's books. My husband and I enjoy beer but we enjoy different kinds of beers. He goes for dark or hoppy beers, I prefer lagers, wheats and Belgian-styles. When he complains about my preference for "tastelessness, pale fizzy Euro-lagers," I remind him that Belgians are Michael Jackon's favorites. That usually stops him. Posted by: Laurie D. T. Mann - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 14:51:40 (EDT) I first met Michael in Toronto in the mid-1980's. He had been invited to give a tasting and it was held at OISE(Ontario Institute for Studies in Education). I had read the landmark World Guide to Beer as soon as it came out (1978) and at about the same time his fine book on English pubs: I was an instant fan and have tried to read every word he wrote since then. So, the first chance I had to meet him, I did, but it was not until 1984 or so. It was his writing style that I liked as much as what he wrote about beer. He was a deft writer who had the gift of imparting information in a captivating, entertaining style. He combined a fine vocabulary, at times tending to the poetic or lyrical, with a down-to-earth, unpretentious perspective: it was the perfect combination for the work he set himself. This literary, creative dimension to his work is important: e.g., we take it for granted today that Imperial Russial Stout is a style of beer but it took someone with his fine mind and literary skill to show us that such a thing existed. If he hadn't known what he did not just about porter and its technical history but also about Catherine the Great, the 19th century, the English export trade and so on, he couldn't have presented the subject to us as he did and really this is true for most of the beer styles he wrote about. Instead of drinking a brewery's strong stout today full stop, we can sample a "Russian Imperial Stout" and also it tastes of "burnt currants on a Christmas cake" - it just made the subject so much more alive. At the OISE event, he was in line (modestly waiting his turn as everyone else) for the self-serve dinner after the tasting when I approached him to introduce myself. I think I had written to his office in London earlier, so he knew who I was but even had he not known, he would have received my approach graciously as so many have mentioned happened in their regard. And thus, he took the time patiently to meet yet another fan - even by then it was evident he had legions of them and of course they just snowballed over the years. It is amazing (but not really) to read all the touching tributes on this website and others - he affected so many people: e.g., brewers, other writers, beer store owners, publicans, and people like I who are none of these but just like to sample good beer. Although I think by the mid-1980's we had a couple of microbreweries in Toronto, I recall Michael was sipping from a green bottle of Pilsener Urquel during the OISE post-tasting dinner, probably he wanted to try something different after the formal tasting. I recall asking him if the Urquel was in good condition and he said it was but that sampling the beer in Pilsen was an experience not to be missed. I have had countless great beer experiences but not that one as yet. When I do, it will be thanks to the master Mr. Jackson, to whom I am indebted for most of the things I know about beer (and spirits). We stayed in touch after that first encounter. He always had time for the occasional phone call or fax despite his lifelong heavy workload and countless professional commitments. I helped him visit some area microbreweries on a later visit to Toronto and to give talks at a local restaurant and bookstore. I recall on one of those visits we drove to Buffalo, NY to find the Buffalo Brew Pub at Main and Transit (still going strong). We got a little lost on the way but he never lost patience, and finally we got there about 10:00 p.m. or so. I remember his delight in sampling for the first time Buffalo chicken wings with the beers of the house. In the early 1990's, my wife and I spent a couple of weeks in France. We suggested Michael join us for a few days' tour of small breweries in and around Lille. His 1978 World Guide To Beer had described so well, with typical passion and his trademark social and historical allusions, the beers of the region, but until then he had never actually visited French Flanders. He loved the trip (or "caper" as he called it), as we did. He was received like royalty by all he encountered including the local brewers and the representatives of the French beer support group, Les Amis de la Biere, who kindly organized the brewery visits for us. It was a trip I will never forget and I got to know Michael more in-depth. I was impressed on that trip that he spoke a certain amount of French and he had excellent comprehension. I speak some French and had offered to interpret but it usually wasn't necessary. Amongst Michael's many talents was a working knowledge of a number of non-English languages. Of course of the English language he was an undisputed master and he retained his matchless writing ability to the end. We occasionally met in the later 1980's and in the 1990's. This was during my trips to London, or once at a big brewpub and hotel complex in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky where he gave an early beer and food dinner, and once also at the 1987 GABF. I recall one visit to London where he took us to the Dove in Hammersmith and pointed out numerous literary and historical details or associations of the alleys and buildings near the pub. Some famous writers or artists had lived in the area in past decades and centuries. Michael as a charter member of the writing fraternity enjoyed that atmosphere, and it is for similar reasons I believe that he often stayed at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. He was a learned man, and I was amazed when he told me not long after we met that he had left school at 16. He wrote and thought like someone who had an advanced education in various liberal arts and social and other sciences: he did of course, but he was self-taught. Somehow he found time to learn about political, social and business history; architecture; advertising; commercial art and design; and sports and jazz music to mention just some of the areas he knew lots about. And this knowledge informed and broadened his work, it gave it an extra dimension which meant you could not just learn greatly from him, but could learn with surprise and pleasure. His writing had elan, excitement: he evidently loved to write and loved what he did, to our profit. One of his books which may not be that well known amongst some MJ fans is his 1980's-era American Express Guide to London. This was a general tourist's guide book, therefore not dealing with beer or food in a specialist way but the book was a pleasure to read. The number of subjects he mastered to write it is most impressive and even though the style had to be compressed for the audience and purpose of the book, it had many typical Jacksonian touches and showed his special love for his adopted city, London, England (not that he ever lost pride in his Yorkshire roots). He was, in all his writing, always seeking more information and broadening and deepening what he knew and could offer others. But also could approach a familar subject from a different angle, as his fine travel work on Scottish distilleries showed (the book where he collaborated with a talented photographer). The last time I saw Michael was about 10 years ago, in Montreal, at the end of a local beer festival where he had spoken. He looked well, and if anything was amiss with his health by then, he did not let on. I tried to see him on later visits to the U.K. but it never worked out, he was travelling or otherwise unavailable. Still, we kept in occasional touch by e-mail until towards the end of last year, often discussing topics (as so many others have said) beyond the spheres of beer and whisky. I am glad that I recall him as he was 10 years ago, hale and hearty-looking, but also glad that he was able to work so hard and enrichen the annals of beer and whisky knowledge right to the end of his life despite the challenges to his health which afflicted him in his last years. We will all miss him greatly but his legacy lives on, manifested in innumerable ways, not least in the fond and admiring memories all of us will retain who knew or read him. Gary Gillman, Toronto. Posted by: Gary Gillman - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 11:29:48 (EDT) It is absolutely safe to say that my little beer tour company would not exist were it not for Michael's book The Great Beers of Belgium. His eloquent words inspired its genesis. And I like to think our beer adventures, in a small way, help spread the vision of our prophet of beer, and encourage the preservation worthy beer related traditions in a way Michael would appreciate. I met him only once in Prague, during our St. Petersburg, Moscow, Prague, and Krakow trip in 2004. The bar, the event planners, many local beer personalities, and my group of beer trippers anxiously awaited his arrival at 6:00. When he finally showed up, at 9:45, anticipation had turned to frustration and there were mumblings about jet lag or a few too many. When he finally showed up appearing a bit haggard, he and his entourage stayed only 20 minutes. We were all a bit mystified. It seems clear now, it was the "mystic mumbler" of his Parkinson's wearing his shoes that night. I was a lucky enough to a have a short conversation that I will always remember I told him about BeerTrips, he asked briefly about our trip, raised an eyebrow about our seeking beer in Russia, but decidedly lit up when I told him I was going to visit Pere Jacques Bernier at the Abbaye de St. Remy in Rochefort. "Please do say hello" he said and chuckled, looking at me over the top of his glasses. "Yes, yes say hello. Have a nice trip in Belgium, nice to meet you" I suspect he loved beer people as much as beer. Nice to have met you Michael! Posted by: Mike Saxton, BeerTrips.com - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 11:27:05 (EDT) I was a not-so-young but new magazine & newspaper writer in the early 1990s when I was given my first assignment to write about beer. I was already a homebrewer, so I knew about Michael and had read him. Coincidentally, at the same time he was coming to the micro in my area to speak. I chatted with him before the dinner, told him what I was up to and he said, “Good luck with your beer writing. You’ll have fun, I’m sure.” I then experienced my first Michael Jackson beer dinner talk with the famous digressions. A couple of years ago in London he and I were seated across from each other at a beer dinner hosted by Fullers. Michael & I, who had since enjoyed beers together and judged beers in a few countries in Europe, as well as in the U.S., were talking about whiskey when he was asked to give a short talk. Well, no sooner had he started talking did he launch into a huge digression, which went off into another and then another. I thought to myself, “My God, he’s so far off the mark from where he started, he’ll never get home.” And then, all of a sudden he smoothly came around full circle and finished his talk, ending up right where he had started. It was perfect. When he sat down I said to him, “Damn, Michael, I was sure you were so far out on a limb that you'd never get home. Good job.” “He smiled at me, there was a twinkle in his eye and he said, “Well, sometimes I make it back.” Cheers, Michael. Gregg Glaser Posted by: All About Beer Magazine, Yankee Brew News - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 10:31:53 (EDT) Just as my Dad is responsible for my first visit to a microbrewery, (Legend Brewery, Richmond, VA) when I didn't know what a microbrewery was, Michael Jackson was responsible for my first realization that yellow, bubbly, and flavorless was NOT beer. I heard about Michael's passing yesterday from the brewmaster at my favorite micro---Williamsburg Alewerks, who came out to report the news while I was having my growlers filled with wonderful IPA. How appropriate and fitting that I should hear about his passing from the brewmaster while beer poured into my growlers! Bill Ahlman Williamsburg, VA Posted by: Bill Ahlman (subscriber) - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 10:22:17 (EDT) At the time of his death Michael will no doubt have been working on a sixth edition of his 'Great Beers of Belgium', just a small part of his prodigious output. Second only perhaps to the cask-conditioned Yorkshire ales of his youth, Michael's great love was the craft beers of Belgium. He was a master of his art. Nobody has ever written as evocatively as Michael about the absurd magic of spontaneous fermentation, or the simple steeping of cherries in tuns of lambic to create kriek. Nor about the wood-aged brown ales of West Flanders, which he cleverly termed the Flemish Reds to catch the eye of wine drinkers and maybe, just maybe, draw them in a little closer to considering a brief detour through the land of fine beers. Confined in his published work to the rules of not-as-free-as-we-would-like-to-think media, in private his views on the use of shortcuts in brewing technique and the denaturing of classic brands were as excoriating as his wit was subtle - and he could be a very funny man. Michael's contribution to Belgian craft brewing was, put simply, that he saved it from extinction. Joris Pattyn, the Flemish beer connaisseur and writer, and a good friend, referring to the first publication of the 'World Guide to Beer', once told me, "Michael reminded us in Belgium that we had a great beer heritage. Until that moment it was as if we had forgotten." Thirty years on, Belgium remains a major and highly respected beer-producing nation. It exports more than half of the beer it makes and its brewing industry is a significant and growing contributor to the Belgian economy. In no small part, Michael was responsible for that happening. He made a difference. Tonight I shall mourn the passing of my friend, and celebrate his life, by taking a pre-prandial oude gueuze from Cantillon, maybe a Saison Dupont with my pasta, a Rodenbach Grand Cru with the cheese, and before bed top it off with the last of my bottles of Oerbier Special Reserva. I doubt any of these world-beating beers would be around nowadays had Michael Jackson not helped to change the mentality of a profession and the tastes of a generation. Tim Webb Good Beer Guide Belgium Posted by: Tim Webb, Good Beer Guide Belgium - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 08:00:40 (EDT) As a young man in college back in 1982 up in Utica New York I was looking for more in a beer than just the usual Genny Cream Ale or Utica Club that was the college norm at weekend frat party's.I found a book that not only changed my perception of beer but changed my life. That book was the World Guide to Beer and I am forever in debt to Mr. Jackson. God Bless!! Posted by: Les Schelling - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 08:00:41 (EDT) We want to thank you Michael for visiting in Helsinki Beer Festival so many times. We will always be grateful to you and we will respect your memory. He will be deeply missed, Markku Korhonen, Mikko Montonen and Sanna Ahtiainen Posted by: Sanna Ahtiainen, Helsinki Beer Festival - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 07:28:10 (EDT) I'm shocked in more ways than one. I'm in England, and had planned to get together with Michael for a pint. (I had offered to buy, and he told me it was a deal.) I called, unknowningly leaving a message about an hour after his death, which I didn't learn about until that evening. Michael was the alpha and omega of beer journalists. He led the way, dispensing information and inspiration to many of us. It's safe to say that he changed the course of many of our lives, and many of us would say for the better. I can't quite get my mind around it all at the moment, since I had fully expected to see him here. The coincidence is unerving, but the loss is crushing. Tom Bedell, writer Posted by: Tom Bedell, writer - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 05:19:40 (EDT) I'm proud to say that I served Michael Jackson his first (and second )tasting of Samuel Adams Boston Lager at the Great American Beer Fest in Denver Colorado. Checking the Sam Adams website, this must have been 1985. I was a beer "mugger" (volunteer server) from the sponsoring club. Jim Koch was there with a very small staff of helpers including this stunningly attractive woman that was on their staff. I had asked a friendly organizer to assign me to a table that had good beer, (not rot-gut beer.) His eyes lit up and he said "Boston Lager! They are really nice people, go help them." So I arrived at their table and they gave me a Tee shirt that matched the one the rest of them had worn. I can't recall the tag line printed on the back. Something about a revolution against revolting beer?? It wasn't a good marketing phrase at all - too immature. Anyway it turned out that muggers were supposed to shift to the adjacent table around the room every half hour so you could pour different beer types as the night wore on. Since they had given me the only spare tee shirt to wear, they insisted that I not rotate to to next table. Fine by me! So I stayed all evening yucking it up with Jim Koch and this gorgeous woman. At the time. I owned a copy of Michael Jackson's Pocket Guide to Beer but had no inkling of what he looked like. Someone else pointed him out to me and I managed to serve him his first tasting of Sam Adams. He stepped back from the serving table and was very intently smelling and tasting and quietly recording notes into a pocket dictating tape recorder. He wandered past a while later and someone asked him if he had a favorite, He said "No, but don't miss trying the Boston Lager". He stopped by again for another tasting. Boston Lager had only been introduced a few months earlier, It won first place that year, and again the following. So out of this comparatively small local contest Samuel Adams shot up to national acclaim. Michael Jackson wasn't there to be any sort of influence on the contest, he was there because so many beers were being served in one place (Admission fee was fairly low too; 20 or 25 bucks. I was a mugger to lend a hand and get in for free) and it was a great vantage point for his research. I'm sure he was pleased that the beer that won first place, was a beer that he enjoyed and felt deserved the award. This is my minor brush with Michael Jackson history and 15 web clicks of fame. "Ten Gallon Alan" Alan Martin San Jose California USA Posted by: Alan Martin - National Semiconductor - San Jose CA, USA - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 01:43:43 (EDT) Michael Jackson was a catalyst and inspiration to the re-blossoming of the lusciously wide diversity of fine beers in recent decades, saving yuppies and humble consumers from abysmal ignorance and mass-produced schlock. He informed and broadened across all present generations of beer and single malt scotch enthusiasts, ranging from casual connoisseurs to brew masters. For wine there was Parker; for beer and scotch, there was Jackson. The natural enthusiasm and deep knowledge conveyed with his writing, speaking and website were key to the renaissance of beer. He spread enthusiasm for brews and brewing well before “microbrews” and “craft brewing” became “cool.” He was fascinated to learn about the human cultural, historic and brewing milieu that formed the background, birth and context for each beer - or scotch - and thankfully, he enriched the world by sharing that wealth. Having only tasted large-scale, mass marketed American beers, I didn’t even know I liked beer until I went to Germany. Upon returning, I broadened my world beer horizons and found Jackson’s books, which I enjoyed and learned from. His palate was discerning and his taste descriptions seemed always on the mark - very helpful to someone finding and trying the world’s unique beers. I got all his books that I could find, including his excellent reference on single malts. He placed each beer within in its type and its cultural context, noting how it was made, how it was unique, what foods went well with each, and the effect of changes due to historical, cultural or other situations and events. I had the opportunity to attend some of Jackson’s beer tasting lectures at the Brickskellar and Smithsonian, which were wonderful and interesting… and the man could speak. No pomp and circumstance necessary; he simply shared his thoughts and information quite naturally, with perception and humor. I loved his knowledge and great enthusiasm for the subject. He was driven to communicate this, and the world became a more appreciative and gifted place because of it. My impressions were: He was both straight-forward and humorous – and his humor was simultaneously down to earth, sharply perceptive and erudite. His enthusiasm for good beer was infectious, and he was extremely knowledgeable on beer, scotch, other drink types, as well as food, history and all manner of related subjects. (My own curiosity is fascinated with many interconnecting paths, so I really enjoyed his interest in the whole picture.) He was clever and funny as a speaker or when chatting one-on-one. He was quite human, unaffected and warm to talk with, and a kind and gracious gentleman to all. Certainly he seemed the furthest thing from cool or arrogant, and never formal, class-conscious or a stuffed shirt. After his talks, he patiently endured snapshots, still had enthusiasm and patience for chats with everyone, and signed a stack of books for me. When he spoke with someone, there were no egotistical needs in the way – so it was natural and easy to feel a person-to-person communication flow. He looked directly at you and chatted with you-the-person, regardless of distractions and whether you were an enthused consumer or expert brew master; he seemed to truly enjoy everyone. That is quite different from some, where charm or other social graces are turned quickly on or off per the needs of their owner and the moment. I hoped this kind and giving spirit had a warm and happy life and home, and I still do, wherever he is. His passing onwards has left a large hole in the world. - Tina Fox Posted by: Tina Fox - Saturday, September 01, 2007 at 00:25:53 (EDT) Michael Jackson unexpectedly visited Rich O’s Public House in November, 1994, a tad more than two years after it first opened, and if I hadn’t been drinking much of the same day as an obviously weary Beer Hunter made pre-arranged appearances at Bluegrass Brewing Company and the now defunct Silo, I surely would have been too nervous to properly function in the role of host. I’ll never know why he consented to accompany twenty-plus awed, fledgling and inebriated beer enthusiasts on yet another beer journey, this one at 9:00 p.m. after a long day’s work, from Louisville, Kentucky, across the Ohio River, to an embarrassingly unfinished space in a strip mall that, at the time, could offer only three beers on tap. Moreover, knowing that most of our regular pub customers would be with us that day following Jackson around Louisville, we’d closed the pub tight, and with the motorcade from the Silo approaching, came dashing inside to turn on the lights, sweep up and make the barroom look somewhat presentable. Once seated, and following hours of one-ounce samples and a furious scribbling of notes, Jackson ordered a full 20-oz Imperial pint of Sierra Nevada Porter, and when he left an hour and a half later, wryly observed, “"I've been to many pubs in America, and I've never seen one quite like this." It took a while, but eventually I understood what he meant. ---- It is impossible to overstate the influence that Michael Jackson had on thousands upon thousands of beer drinkers, who found in his elegant and precise prose a purposeful rationale for their pursuit of the perfect pint. I'm prime among them. Analogies with other cultural pursuits are difficult and fleeting, but they're most apt when made in literature, with the temptation being to describe Jackson as comparable to William Shakespeare in terms of reach and pervasiveness. To me, far more flattering is the positing of Jackson as the beer world’s successor to the 18th-century English essayist Samuel Johnson. After all, Johnson established an expository norm for non-fiction and wrote a dictionary of the English language, and a century and a half later, Jackson synthesized Johnson’s style and words to write the language and vocabulary of beer. We’ll be speaking and writing the fruits of Johnson’s and Jackson’s life work for quite some time to come. As Lew Bryson perceptively notes in an appreciation elsewhere, it is Jackson's association of beer with place that survives as the finest representation of the beer writer's particular genius. 20th-century industrial complexes may have stolen beer from its traditional point of localized orientation, but Jackson stole it back, first a little, and then a lot. He generally refrained from writing about technical brewing details, possessing instead a superhuman ability to filter hyperbole of the sort favored by marketers, and viscerally connect beer to its own "terroir" in terms of physical geography, human culture and social conditions. Jackson did so factually, wittily, often majestically, and always with supreme lyricism. He was a damned fine writer, and the father of us all. ---- Five years after the nocturnal November visit, I found myself at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, a few samples under my belt, standing somewhere on the mezzanine, leaning against a vacant table and chatting with the beer writer and editor Stan Hieronymus. After a few minutes, Stan asked me if I had brought a book to be signed. With my face registering obvious cluelessness, Stan motioned behind me – and there was Michael Jackson, settling in for another afternoon with his reading public. Surprisingly, I was at the head of a gradually lengthening line of people forming behind me, and entirely without a Michael Jackson book for autographing, but I had a GABF program tucked under my arm, and it was duly presented to Jackson as I reintroduced myself and asked if he remembered the late evening at Rich O’s. Jackson smiled and said yes, and then added that the FOSSILS newsletters we had since been mailing to him in London were entertaining. “You’re quite the polemicist,” said Jackson. You’d better believe I was blushing, but before there was much time to consider a coherent response, Jackson pushed away the program and said, “Have I told you why your Red Room made such an impression on me?” No, he had not, and this remark seemed odd at the time it was offered. In 1994, the Red Room had only just come into being. Then, as now, it is a small seating area at the pub, with one wall painted red and a massive three-part Soviet-era poster of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin on the wall, since augmented with other examples of Communist paraphernalia. It surprised me that Jackson even noticed the Red Room during his brief visit, and of course there had been no other times when he might have explained what it meant to him, so I answered as directly as I could. “No.” Jackson promptly put down his pen and began telling the story. It began in 1945 with his earliest childhood memory at the age of three: The long delayed, post-war British election campaign that ended in sweeping victory for Labor and the fall of Winston Churchill. Jackson’s father, whom he referred to as the family’s political agitator, was working one important day, so his mother – normally apolitical – took young Michael to a gala rally for their constituency’s Labor candidate, who in fact was red-letter Socialist (unfortunately, I’ve forgotten the politician’s his name). Jackson said that he never forgot the rally’s numerous red buntings and campaign banners, and a week later, the Socialist/Labor candidate handily won the seat and began a long and distinguished career in Parliament, so long in fact that after the adult Jackson graduated from university and embarked upon his own career in journalism in the mid-1960s, the very same politician was still holding the seat won in 1945. Jackson was assigned by his newspaper to interview the aging MP. During the interview, Jackson learned that the politician had actually lived in American prior to the second war, and had worked for … “The leftist Louisville newspaper,” Jackson said, “what is the name of your leftist Louisville newspaper?” By now I was kneeling, and starting to become uncomfortably cognizant of perhaps 75 people queued behind me, and what’s more, I was unable to think of any newspaper in Louisville that would fit the description offered by Jackson, who tried his best to joggle my memory. “The newspaper’s owners were wealthy liberals,” he said, “and they’ve since sold the paper to a media company.” I blurted, “The Binghams? The Courier-Journal?” and Jackson almost came up out of his chair. “Yes! The Courier-Journal, and the Binghams – that’s it. That’s where he worked.” As it transpired, the member of parliament – the man whose campaign rally had been burned into Jackson’s memory by virtue of the color red, who had worked for the Louisville Courier-Journal, and who had spoken of Louisville when interviewed by Jackson so many years before – was the cognitive impetus for Jackson’s reaction when he walked into our pub in 1994. Finally, it all made sense: Red Room, geography, colors, politics and beer, all combining to make more than a few other beer lovers impatiently wait their turn while the dots were meticulously connected for me by the world’s greatest beer writer. It is something that I’ll remember until the day that I join Jackson at the celestial tap room's bar, when I’ll ask him the one question that most needs answering: What was the journalist/politician’s name? I briefly spoke with Jackson a third time at another GABF, and then a fourth at a British ale tasting in Indianapolis in 2001, and that was all. Now he’s dead, and the return visit to Rich O’s that I always thought would be made some day isn’t to be. To remember Michael Jackson, I can do no better than appropriate Edwin Stanton’s words at the passing of Abraham Lincoln: Now he belongs to the ages. He was, indeed, the father of us all. Posted by: Roger A. Baylor, New Albanian Brewing & Rich O's Public House - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 23:19:38 (EDT) A gentleman who touched the lives of so many. Always with grace. Always with humor. Always with a discerning palate. He taught us about beer. He taught us journalism. He taught us to look around and welcome the new and adventuresome, as well as appreciate the old. Today so many more of us understand and enjoy beer and spirits than even a decade ago. We all have Michael Jackson to thank. And we're sure that some day we'll get word that "In heaven there is good beer because Michael Jackson brought it there." RIP, good sir. Posted by: Paul Ruschmann and Maryanne Nasiatka - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 23:13:21 (EDT) I first met Michael Jackson at the Brickskeller in 1988. There were some strong beers (the event concluded with EKU 28) and I was, um, mellow. So I showed up with one of his pocket guides. "Are you a homebrewer?" Jackson said. "I jush drink the shtuff," I said. So he signed the book signed "Drink the Stuff," Michael Jackson. I saw him many times over the years either at the Brickskeller or the National Geographic Society. I think my all time favorite events were his 60th birthday party at the Brickskeller and the time he showed up at the Brick (I think after a Spirit of Belgium convention) just to spend an evening digresssing and reading poetry. After all, Jackson was a master of spontaneous lecturing, The last time I saw him, at the Brickskeller in 2006, I heard him just talk about interesting beer for three hours. He may have had a bad case of Parkinson's, but he was still a great lecturer even at the end. Above all, Michael Jackson was a NICE GUY. He never had a case of "big head." Here was a man who was the best beer writer in the world, but he never let his fame go to his head. He had a fundamental sense of decency and humility at his core. And let's not forget that he continued to develop as a writer. SCOTLAND AND ITS WHISKIES is his best written book. The last time I saw him, he said he was working on a book of stories about his childhood. I hope he finished it. Posted by: Martin Morse Wooster, Mid-Atlantic Brewing News/American Brewer - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 22:42:45 (EDT) It was late afternoon Thursday when my wife Elizabeth mentioned to me that Michael Jackson had passed away earlier that day. I couldn't believe what I was reading. We had just recently missed an opportunity to see him at the Spinnerstown Inn in Quakertown, PA and was awaiting the next. When I arrived home on this overcast day, strangely, all of the power was out in our town of Schwenksville. My wife and I had already decided to do what any two married beer geeks would do on such unfortunate circumstances. Head up to Ortino's Northside, our favorite local beer bar, with Michael's Book in hand and drink from the book. And this the legacy of Michael Jackson for people everywhere. That somewhere, at sometime, you may be at a beer bar sitting next to a friendly couple with a thick book full of beers you've never heard of. Their area of the bar is full of empty bottles labeled with names you can't pronounce. You smile and break the ice, they hand you the book, you are entranced by the poetic reviews, you pick a beer, you begin your journey. -Michael Bevilacqua Posted by: Michael and Elizabeth Bevilacqua - Bevilacqua.us - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 21:01:01 (EDT) I knew Michael Jackson. That is certainly not unique since since as Michael traveled extensively and met as many brewers and afficianodos as is his wont it might be fair to say that there are probably more people associated with beer that have met him than have not. I have a few stories that I could share but one stands out among all the others. And it only goes to show that while he was indeed a great individual, very talented, uniquely gifted, and a true original, he was also as down to earth as they come. It was 1985, and I was tasked by Charlie Papazian to be featured speaker at the Nation Homebrewers conference in Boulder, CO. I was truly honored to be invited to Charlies' home for a private party where the beer cogneceti were to be assembled. And all the bright lights of the beer world of that day and age were assembled. In due course I spied Michael Jackson among the throng and determined to introduce myself. After all, his great tome THE WORLD GUIDE TO BEER had become my bible in recent years and I was eager to chat with him about it. It was a very warm day that afternoon, perhaps in the upper 80s or low 90s as I recall. Michael was dressed in his trademark tweed sports jacket and sweater over a shirt. This is while most others sported beer t-shirts and shorts due to the heat. I silently wondered how he could be comfortable, but he showed no sign of being uncomfortable. We had a fine chat and I eventually worked my way over to the food, of which there was ample bounty. It turned out that Charlie had prepared 3 different batches of his chili in varying degrees of spice. I tried them all but settled in on the spiciest one, as it was much to my taste - somewhat aggressive but I found it to my liking just the same. Charlie lived in a rather small house at the time - 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, living room, kitchen, and basement. And with only one bathroom and probably 50-60 people all drinking copious quantities of beer that one bathroom kept very busy that day. At length I found myself in need of said bathroom and found a short que in the hall and joined it. As I made my way finally to the front of the que I became involved in a beery conversation with the person behind me. Just as the door opened to the loo, Michael came bursting into the hall with a slightly anxious look to him! He exclaimed to me in haste "Have you tried THAT chili yet? Bit out of balance!" and rushed headlong into the wc. As my need seemed to be less immediate than his I made no attempt to claim my place in the que and resumed conversation with my new mate. It was only then that I found myself embarrased to hear the sounds from within, as it was obvious that the chili had indeed proved itself to upset his constitution. Yes, Michael Jackson was not only a classic in his time but as human as any of us. He was and is a great man, and I will also mis him greatly. RIP brother. You will be missed by many. Rande Reed Posted by: Rande Reed, Head Brewer, Snoqualmie Falls Brewing, WA - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 19:02:31 (EDT) I proudly use Beersnob as my email address, brew my own, cringe at those drinking Bud, and have converted others to real beer. I owe all that to The Beer Hunter, and a computer, back in 1996. Prost. Posted by: The Beersnob - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 18:47:25 (EDT) Ho appreso la notizia mentro ero a casabaladin, proprio dove gli ho stretto la mano un paio di mesi fa. Mancherà a tutto il mondo della birra la sua figura, il suo carisma, la sua semplicità, il suo umorismo britannico. Mancherà a noi piccoli produttori italiani una persona vera, che parlava e si interessava a noi con molta umiltà e voglia di conoscere, senza mai far pesare il suo blasone e la sua infinita competenza. Proprio queste sue caratteristiche mi fanno pensare che sia una delle persone più grandi e uniche che abbia mai incontrato... da te ho imparato tantissimo. Grazie maestro Michael Lelio Posted by: lelio bottero birra baladin Italy - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 18:15:58 (EDT) I'll never forget the first time I met Michael Jackson. In a way, of course, I already knew him, through reading his books and watching his Beer Hunter series more times than you can possibly imagine. So when I heard that he would be at a beer dinner in Orange, Connecticut, well, I just had to be there. The event was a hit with most there, of course. Many seemed to be attending at the behest of their employers in the liquor industry, who must have hoped that they would gain some magical knowledge that would boost sales. When all the tasting and speeches and questions were over, they made a bee line for the exit. But not me. Along with a friend who was and is equally enamored of beer as I, we stuck around and managed to sit at a table with Michael, chatting about beer for some time. And that was what struck me about Jackson. Sure, his name is not a household word, at least not in the sense that most know who he is. Obviously, it's the other MJ that comes to mind for the masses. Maybe it's because of that that he never lost touch with his roots. I like to think, though, that it's because he was just a great guy. Thing was, though, that as we all sat around chatting that night, Michael was clearly as interested in what we had to say as we were in hearing him. He was just a guy you were having a beer with, albeit a guy that knew more about beer than probably anybody else on the planet. I've met a lot of people in the beer business, and I can tell you not everyone is like that. And that's what Michael Jackson, I think. And why so many will miss him. Posted by: John Staradumsky - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 17:52:28 (EDT) Wow. Yesterday a champion was plucked from our battlefield. Ron and I felt the tremors almost immediately. Words are insufficient, especially in light of the fact that this champion of beer and craft was also a master of words and emotions. One on one, his tales turned on a dime and bubbled with a joy of life and its blessing of camaraderie. If you doubt for a second the impact Michael Jackson had on the beer industry, we submit this testimony. When Michael was hosting a beer tasting at Washington DC’s famous Brickskeller in 1988, Ron was there as novice homebrewer seeking to learn more about his new-found passion of beer. He carried with him two copies of Michael’s Pocket Guide to Beer. While Michael was signing them, Ron apparently shared with him the dreams of two best friends who aspired to enjoy the best beers and so Michael wrote, “Dear Ron, Brew good beer, get a pub! Cheers, Michael Jackson” Think about Victory Brewing Company now. It was not even a single letter on business plan then and its principals were then a financial analyst and an art director. Do you not believe that his honest suggestion worked? If you have ever savored a Victory beer and admired the flavor as a wholly new, wholly pleasurable experience, you can credit Mr. Jackson. He still remains our root inspiration, having liberated his inner beer geek and dedicated his life to the exploration of great beer flavor and culture way back in the dark ages of 1976. Of course his writings on beer inspired the grassroots British consumer awakening that became Campaign for Real Ale in the 80’s. Similarly, American homebrewers became infused with this same rebellious spirit he ignited against flavorless industrial beers and put their lives into the craft of quality beermaking on through the 90’s. In 1996 Ron and I joined those ranks and fulfilled Mr. Jackson’s entreaty. And we are just two of the many he spawned. Now, here on August 30, 2007, the day after his passing, we are challenged to replace our deep sadness with more positive endeavors to continue his inspiration. We settled on something direct and immediate, much like the man himself. For the next 11 days (the number of years since he challenged us to open a pub and we did) we will be setting aside 11% of our daily restaurant beer revenues to donate to a cause in his name. Maybe it will be Parkinson’s Disease Foundation or maybe our saddened beer community will pool resources to make a lasting tribute like a museum or a scholarship. Who knows at this point? What we do know is that though no amount of money can buy the impact and inspiration this great man had on many, our collective contributions can most certainly fund hope and inspiration for those stricken with Parkinson’s or even those more fortunate souls stricken with the burning desire to share great beer with the world. It's like repaying a debt that a gracious man would never possibly accept. Michael, we remained committed to inspire, as you had done so graciously yourself. As the bubbles rise perpetually from our glass, may you too come to find rest on the pillowy froth of sublime content. Julie and Daniel, thank for carrying the torch that just got a great bit heavier. - Bill & Ron / Victory Brewing Company Posted by: Victory Brewing Company - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 17:48:58 (EDT) I know this applies to a former great Chicago NBA player---and that it will probably never happen---but one day, I wanna be like Mike. Posted by: bOB sKILNIK - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 17:28:34 (EDT) Michael always had a kind word. Over the years he told audiences many nice things about me, some of them true. I did some supporting writing for a couple of his projects, and he told people we had “collaborated”. Once at breakfast, Michael needed more coffee. Wearing one of his ties with his likeness, he told the waitress, “The man on my tie says he’d like more coffee.” But I digress … Posted by: Jim Dorsch, American Brewer - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 16:56:36 (EDT) As I sit here and read these profound words of love from some of the most important names in American brewing, this humble bartender is left with one thought. When you go home tonight, keep the Orval, Brooklyn Chocolate Stout or 120 minute IPA in the cellar. Open a can of Miller Lite or Budweiser. Only then can you remember how far this man has taken us. Posted by: John Haser-- Tilted Kilt Pub - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 16:43:10 (EDT) Yesterday was supposed to be a regular old Thursday just like any other. It turned out to be anything but ordinary. I think it was a numb day. At least it was for me. Like many, I wanted to share a story about one of the best story tellers that I ever met. So, I wrote about one of my favorite Michael moments in my blog at www.lostabbey.com yesterday. It made me laugh. I think we all need a good laugh. Gut punches hurt too much. And yesterday, I started having cool flashbacks of different periods in my life that involved Mister Jackson. In 1998, I judged my first Great American Beer Festival. It was my first real encounter with Michael where I wasn't an "awestruck" brewer. We briefly chatted at the reception and I thought I had arrived. We talked about my background as an English Major and how my father owned a printing business when I was growing up. He liked that about me. Every year, I would look forward to seeing Michael in Denver so we could catch up and I could tell him about the burgeoning San Diego Craft Brewing Scene. He would take notes. I never digressed. About 3 years ago, I found myself judging Robust Porters and had Michael seated on my right. I was the Table Captain for this flight and was tasked with ensuring everyone understood the style. Michael looked up from behind those famous spectacles and said "I don't get it." "Oh crap," I said to myself. Everyone knows that I'm not much of style conformist so I doubt very much what I had to say made too much sense. Michael was looking for some measure of a difference between Robust and Brown Porters. I casually explained that as a brewer I would expect the difference to be in Malts used, Hopping rates and the balance between malt sweetness and a dry finish. I listed a few of the beers that had previously earned medals in this category and made sure that I also cited examples he would have sampled in his worldly travels. He took some notes. He was always taking notes. The thing is, he wrote in short hand so I have no idea what he actually wrote down. Most likely it probably said something like this... "I don't know why this cocky kid of a brewer from San Diego thinks he can do a better job of explaining this beer style to me. It's just Porter after all. You know, a nice dark, rich smooth beer that could be mistaken for Stout." Well, to this day, that moment has not been lost on me. I don't know why the brewing Gods asked me to explain the differences between Brown and Robust Porters to Michael. The man wrote the book on damn near everything beer. It's a shame he won't be around to write anymore. But it makes me sad to know the next time I'm seated at a judging table, I won't have another opportunity to tell the Bard of Beer what makes a Porter more Robust. And that's just wrong. Posted by: Tomme Arthur - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 14:30:51 (EDT) What more needs to be said about Michael Jackson's writing and knowledge about beer that hasn't already been said over the years? At this time when we are all saddened by his death, it's the personal encounters and what they say about him as a person that take on greater importance. I'd met Michael on several occasions, probably a few short of a dozen times... here in Madison, at the former Chicago Real Ale Festival and various other Chicago area beer events, at the GABF, at beer writers' dinners, and other occasions. One of the first times was at a Minnesota Brewfest competition at the now defunct Sherlock's Home brewpub in suburban Hennepin County, southwest of Minneapolis. The competition director asked me if I would be interested in judging Best of Show. Being asked to judge BoS at a homebrew competition was nothing new to me, so I reflexively agreed to do it. In that competition (had been going for some number of years, but it was my first time attending), the custom was to have a local judge, a visiting judge, and Michael Jackson judge the BoS. So I considered it to be somewhat more an honour to be asked than perhaps the "average" BoS. But what I didn't know at the time is that the three of us would be judging on a stage... and with a microphone... and each of us expected to comment individually to the audience on each beer as it came before us. Yikes! That wasn't part of what I thought I was agreeing to do. But I wasn't going to wimp out, so onward I went. As it turned out, we didn't always agree on the beers. That's not unusual for a Best of Show, of course, but this was with "The Beer Hunter" and with an audience. Shortly after we had started, I got a gentle and quiet bit of advice in diplomacy from one of the organisers, but it wasn't an admonition not to disagree with Michael, but rather to be a little less analytical about technical flaws in the beers in light of the fact that the brewers of these beers were in the audience. Things went more smoothly as we went along, I became a little less nervous about the public spectacle, and I changed the focus of my comments to describing more of the positive aspects of the beers (for which Michael had an incredible talent). Sometimes the three of us agreed on the beers, and other times we disagreed. Afterward, one of the host club members approached me, introducing himself and shaking my hand, saying, "This is the first time we've ever had someone up there who didn't just parrot everything Michael said!" To be fair, I have to note that because we rotated the speaking order with each beer, I sometimes had to speak not yet having heard Michael's remarks. Although it was a compliment, and I accepted it as such, there was part of me thinking that while I was a reasonably experienced beer judge (and wouldn't have been asked to do BoS if I wasn't), I wasn't even remotely close to being in the same league as someone who's been travelling the world drinking beers and writing about them for decades. By comparison, what did I know that qualified me to disagree with this legendary figure? Yet when we got together at the bar afterward for yet another beer and a chat over a Scottish ale (Michael maintained that the Scottish ales at Sherlock's and at various other brewpubs in the States were superior to those in Scotland), he struck me as genuinely personable and that he probably even enjoyed the give and take over the merits of the beers and the fact that we had different opinions about them, willing to listen and respect what others had to say rather than imposing his considerable expertise. (And about Michael's talent for diplomacy in commenting on beers, I recall a homebrew tasting event and competition being done in conjunction with a NHC regional outside of Chicago for which the entrants were directed to use a breakfast cereal as an adjunct. Michael went around to sample from all the taps, taking notes along the way, and later offered summary comments on each entry before indicating his top choices. One of the beers was what most of us would have described as infected, but Michael's comment described the beer's predominant characteristic as "tartness.") Another thing I found remarkable about him is that whatever we may joke about not being able to remember much the next day after a session of drinking beer, to the contrary, beer must actually be a very good memory aid. It must be, because for all the many thousands of people Michael encountered in his beer journeys, I would often find myself surprised that he would remember me--and I'm not the only one who has had this experience--and he would refer to some shared experience from a previous meeting or it would seem that we could almost pick up and continue a conversation started many months or even a couple years earlier. Farewell, Michael, and may the heavenly taps always pour you a perfect pint. Now go have a beer, Bob Paolino Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild / Great Taste of the Midwest Great Lakes Brewing News BJCP National Judge Posted by: Bob Paolino, Great Lakes Brewing News, MHTG/Great Taste of the Midwest - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 13:07:01 (EDT) Here's a memory I'd like to share-- It's 1982 or 3. The NBWA conference in Las Vegas. Michael and I have just been dumped out of a bus at the Coors Wholesaler BBQ and are sitting next to each other on a bench in front of a picture perfect, albeit fake, cowboy campfire. There's tons (miles?) of ribs etc and pretty girls dressed in cowboy paraphernalia serving Coors from their six-shooter holsters. I had just met Michael earlier that day. We are both at the conference courtesy of the Belgian government (more accurately the Flemish government). He's at the conference to explain Belgian beer to Americans. I'm there to try and sell it. We are both a bit morose. He turns to me and says “Do you think Americans will ever get Belgian beer? Thanks to him we did. P.S. Dan and Julie thanks for hosting this forum. Posted by: Don Feinberg, Vanberg & Dewulf - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 12:24:55 (EDT) I write here not to express my knowledge of Michael or reminisce of drinking beer with him. I just would like to reveal something that he did that was special and meant a lot to me while revealing his good nature and character. I met Michael through Kevin, a friend of mine who spent much time with him here in the States and in Great Britain and Europe. Apparently they dined and attended a rugby match together just last week. Kevin would arrange for Michael to visit Indianapolis for several years. When Michael was here he was always busy and his schedule was demanding - as all the beer people in America wanted a part of him. Years ago at a large beer tasting I was a very sick person - unable to eat much, speak much and could only drink my ale in slow small sips. Before our meals, Michael asked if I would sit with him during dinner. I was honored and shocked that our guest of honor, who was in such demand, would want to join me in my decrepit state. "Digression is the better part of valor" - We told jokes and talked of beer but also of medicine, health, drinking, music, religion, and the politics of these topics. I have a varied medical background which is why I think our conversation repeatedly tended to be health related. At that time, I did not understand his "medical interest". I only saw Michael two times since then and each time he asked about my recovery and how I was doing. However the empathy and concern had changed direction then as I was now more concerned about his Parkinson's and his busy schedule. I am glad we were both healthy then and could enjoy our ale. Michael Jackson was a knowledgeable journalist, a passionate writer, and a great beer drinker, but I don't think he would ever have this great following without him being such a concerned, caring and giving individual. The MJ stories will come later as we adjourn to our respective pubs and toast this "Beer Hunter" I will miss him. I still enjoy the Alan Moen cartoon but, I really really hope it's not true! Mark P. Schiess mschiess@earthlink.net Carmel. Indiana Posted by: Mark Schiess - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 11:49:16 (EDT) I'll always remember Michael Jackson for both his sense of humor and his passion for beer. He loved the cartoon I did of him in Hell, and suggested that "If you ever do 'Michael Jackson in Heaven', make it an Orval!" I'm sure he's drinking one there right now. Of his passion for beer, I 'll never forget being at an Interenational Beer Marketers Conference in Vancouver, Canada in 1996 when Michael, bristling at the bean-counter tone of the other lecturers, reminded the audience that beer ought not to be treated like any other commodity. To him, beer was an integral part of our humanity, inseparable from civilization — in fact, beer had really brought civilization about. I later did a "whisky by the glass" tasting with him at that conference, when we played hooky from yet another boring lecture about beer drinkers demographics. We tasted a number of single malts, including 25 year The Macallan out of a dozen different glasses to see which one was best (he preferred a straight -sided Old Fashioned glass for The Macallan, by the way). Like my friend Lew Bryson, I also remember an incident with Michael in the men's room at that conference (no, this is not a Larry Craig story), when, as we stood to do our business, he suddenly and surprisngly asked me what I thought of the affair and expressed his frustration with it. Michael Jackson was a true living treasure to anyone and everyone who loves beer — a man for all Saisons, as he might have said. Next time, I'll make it an Orval. Posted by: Alan Moen - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 11:28:37 (EDT) The first time a picked Michael up to go on a beer adventure was at The Brick in 1997. A bought him tea thinking that's what British people drink. He promptly made me pull over for coffee. We talked beer and listened to jazz as we drove. Reading his books has been a big part of my beer education since day one but my fondest memories of Michael come from experiencing his events in person. They were jazz performances and his solos and improvisations were always illuminating and artful. His New World Guide to Beer begins with these words: "The world always knew that beer was a noble and complex drink, but, for a moment, that was forgotten." No single person has been or will ever be as responsable for reminding the world of the beauty of beer as Michael Jackson. Posted by: Sam Calagione Dogfish Head - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 10:55:47 (EDT) Friends, I cannot bring myself to do this yet; I am impressed with those who can. In so many ways, Michael was, to many of us, more than a writer, a critic, or a friend - he was a sort of second father. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that as I've pursued a career in brewing with a smattering of writing, I've always wanted to make my "other Dad" proud. Whenever I may have been tempted towards a shortcut of some sort, he was an angel on my shoulder telling me to take the one true path. And like many of us, I would not be here, doing this wonderful thing every day, were it not for him. We will not see his like again. I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him in Belgium several weeks ago. He was very much his old self - in fact, he was perhaps more himself than he'd ever been, at least in public. If I start to write what I'm really thinking, I'll dissolve here in my seat, so I'll wait for another time. In his last e-mail to me, 10 days ago, he signed off with "Keep The Faith, Baby". I'll do my best, Michael - we all will. Thanks for everything. - Garrett Oliver Posted by: Garrett Oliver - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 10:49:30 (EDT) Like most of us, I lifted a pint to Michael Jackson last night. And shared stories. My favorite Michael Jackson story happened at the Craft Brewers Conference in San Diego a few years ago. Just a month or so earlier, I had the pleasure and honor of taking Mr. Jackson to various Portland, Ore., establishments on what I believe was probably his last visit to the Rose City. So, when I approached him before the World Beer Cup awards ceremony, which was the pinnacle event at the conference, I said my hellos offered to get him a beer. For those who have never had the fortune to attend the awards dinner, it's amazing -- but one of the best parts is the reception beforehand, where all the remaining bottles of beer that were entered in the competition are put out for tasting. Literally hundreds of bottles of beer are just set out -- in little or no recognizable order -- in plastic bins of ice water with servers behind the tables, at the ready to get you a sample of whatever your heart desires from breweries across the globe! It's a thing of beauty, but also slightly overwhelming in a kid-in-a-candy-store sort of way. As soon as I made my offer to Michael, though, I realized I had made a tactical error. What if he requested a *specific* beer? Could I find it? Where would I start? Instead, Michael leaned over and whispered to me in his very British gentlemanly way, "That would be lovely. I would like something American ... and hoppy." Whew! Piece of cake, I thought, as I elbowed my way through the crowd. Riiiight. The first table showed many labels in languages I couldn't even read or pronounce. Nothing American there! I scurried over to the next table. And then the next table. Ah! Recognizable language! Getting warmer. The servers looked at me suspiciously as I pulled bottle after bottle out of the icy water. Stouts! Browns! Bitters! But nothing "American and hoppy." Nearly in a panic, I rushed over to the next table. (I had to have been looking for at least a half-hour in my mind at this point. The Bard of Beer was thirsty! And it was ALL MY FAULT!) As I approached the bustling table, I thought I saw a rainbow and heard angels sing. Or maybe it was a big, green neon arrow pointing to a specific bottle. I'm not sure. But, I know for a fact that the crowds parted as I made my way toward my prize. This was it, my gut instinct told me. As I plucked the bottle out of its icy bath, I squinted to read the makeshift label that was used to identify the beer and brewery. It's Double Deranger Imperial Red from Laurelwood Public House and Brewery in my hometown. SCORE! I rushed back to Michael with my offering. He graciously accepted the cup. Now, at this point, I am trying to be nonchalant and chat with the large group of colleagues and admirers who have circled Michael, but, really, I am watching Michael nervously. His face disappears as he takes in the aroma. He stops. He sips. His head almost pops off his neck as he looks up to catch my eye. His face is as straight as a yardstick. I can't read a thing. The guy could've had a stunning career on the World Series of Poker. "What is this?" he softly asks. "Double Deranger Imperial Red from Laurelwood," I gulp, still unsure of what he's thinking. "In Portland." "It's ... fantastic," he says. He smiles a gloriously happy smile. And I smile as well. I have hunted down a beer for the Beer Hunter. And he is pleased. (Turns out, Michael was right, as usual. Deranger won a silver medal in the World Beer Cup that year -- one of five medals for them -- and also got champion brewery and champion brewmaster in the small brewpub category for 2004.) Posted by: Lisa Morrison, beer writer - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 09:47:02 (EDT) It is truly a sad day in the beer world Posted by: btucker1 - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 09:40:41 (EDT) I had the joy of driving Michael from point A to B when he was in the Dallas area speaking for the home brew club and other engagements. I asked him, "How did you get to be the guru of all beerdom?" He simply stated, "I *stumbled* into it." I will miss him. Regards Roy Mengot Plano, TX Posted by: Roy Mengot - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 09:08:46 (EDT) Michael Jackson was a journalist first and last. His writing was good, at times the best. From his first “Your Pub” columns to his last Morte Subite, his writing was always accurate, informative and entertaining. His fascination with people exceeded his fascination with things fermentable. He was always able to make time to chat with me and knew me by name and read my books. I always felt inspired to hone my writing and tasting skills every time we wished each other farewell. Yesterday, the day he died, I was e-mailing my latest beer-book to my editor. Yesterday I received the notice he had died on Wednesday morning, this morning I read he passed not on Wednesday but Thursday. I doubt he would have appreciated the rush to print without making sure of the story because, contrary to some sentiment he was not a “god”…. He was a journalist and a damn good journalist who will leave a challenge to us all to be accurate above all. Posted by: Peter LaFrance - BeerBasics.com/Author - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 08:25:18 (EDT) Michael has been a great friend and supporter over the years. There's an old German beer drinking song that maintains that "in heaven there is no beer." If there is a heavenly brewery, I'm confident that the Bard of Beer is in its tasting room, sampling heavenly ambrosia. Swirling, sniffing and scribbling notes. Cheers! Posted by: George Hummel, Home Sweet Homebrew & Mid Atlantic Brewing News - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 07:52:35 (EDT) Michael always had a kind word. Over the years he told audiences many nice things about me, some of them true. I did some supporting writing for a couple of his projects, and he told people we had “collaborated”. Once at breakfast, Michael needed coffee. Wearing one of his ties with his likeness, he told the waitress, “The man on my tie says he’d like more coffee.” But I digress … Posted by: Jim Dorsch, American Brewer - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 07:41:03 (EDT) I'd met Michael a few times already. As with all pioneers of the American Craft Brewing scene, (I was setting up a British style micro in Baltimore in 1988) he would seek you out and tell your story. But my best Michael story concerned my first judging experience at the GABF. I was ready with my knowledge and experience of off flavors and fault recognition to show off what I knew. I was placed in a group with Michael and he gave me some advice that changed my perceptions before I even got started. He said if you judge by eliminating the beers with faults you will award the gold medal to the "least bad beer" rather than the best. There will no doubt be beer writers award named in his honor but I doubt many winners will truly live up to the standard, or have the impact on the industry achieved by the legend himself. I'll miss you Michael. Thankyou for you inspiration. Posted by: Steve Parkes Lead Instructor American Brewers Guild - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 07:31:02 (EDT) How can my words have the eloquence and grace that his would? As I sit here, trying to weave a tapestry of his life, there are too many golden threads that are blurred by my tears. He could tell a story with a look, or judiciously expand a subject to an all night marathon. I called myself "The Beer Fox" as a reflection of my mentor, "The Beer Hunter." Somehow, I knew he would laugh, as if I were Green Beer competing for a Gold Medal. On a professional level, Michael Jackson nurtured the novice in me. On a personal level, he made my spirit sing. We shared an enthusiasm for the distinctiveness and diversity of good beer, albeit his added rich, roasted flavor to my simple graininess. He sang to us all with his inexhaustible writing about beer, whiskey, politics, liberalism, or tales of rugby league…not union. He loved people. Although he struggled with “his” Parkinson’s, contact with people filled him with adrenaline, and he was a vibrant, healthy man, with each encounter. It appeared as if, simply speaking with a brewer, fellow journalist, or admirer, the breath of their life transferred into him. Later, he would talk about them in animated fashion. Some, for years. I know so many of you through his eyes, his words, his perspective. He painted beer and his countless friends into a three-dimensional masterpiece. Rodin, perhaps? Traditional, yet compellingly modern. Finely bronzed, yet dressed with patina. I have read your words: The Prince, the King, St. Michael (yes, Tony, he shared that one with me, too), Mentor and Inspirer. Comforting words. Yet the chasm is there…still. I’m in love. Still am. Always will be. Posted by: Carolyn Smagalski, The Beer Fox, Beer & Brewing at BellaOnline - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 07:05:28 (EDT) It is with great sadness that we received the news about the passing of the greatest beer-enthusiast ever. We have all been inspired by his books. He has been an excellent guide to the fascinating world of beer for all of us. He was fond of the traditional Finnish beer type sahti, which we have been proud of as Finns. He often honoured the annual Helsinki Beer Festival with his presence. We therefore raise our glasses, filled with excellent beer, one last time in the memory of Michael Jackson and say skål! Sällskapet Ölarne r.f. - Helsinki, Finland Posted by: Sällskapet Ölarne r.f. - Helsinki, Finland - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 05:57:51 (EDT) I first became aware of Michael Jackson at about the same time I discovered different, more flavorful beers while stationed in New York City in the late 1970s. I was in a U.S. Army Band at the time, stationed under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge on Fort Hamilton, which is on Staten Island. My bandmates and I went into Manhattan whenever we could and spent a lot of our time in the many jazz clubs in the Village and other parts of the city. Beers like Bass Ale, Guinness and Pilsner Urquell were often served in these clubs and they were vastly different from the local pilsners I grew up drinking in southeastern Pennsylvania. I was smitten with them at once, and wanting to learn more about them, chanced upon Michael's World Guide to Beer at a bookstore and devoured it whole. Fast forward around 13 years later and I'd just published The Bars of Santa Clara: A Beer Drinker's Guide to Silicon Valley and treated myself to my first trip to the Great American Beer Festival. This was 1991 or 92. Michael was signing books at a table and I was thrilled to finally meet someone who had been such an inspiration. I told him about my book and explained how grateful I was for his books and how helpful they were to me in writing a summary of beer history and styles for my guidebook's appendices. He gave me his card and asked me to send him a copy, which I happily did. My next encounter with Michael was at the Great Divide Brewery in Denver during a later GABF. At this point I was the beer buyer at Beverages & more and had been invited to one of the first of Great Divide's annual Thursday morning open houses because I had recently started selling Great Divide in our California stores. I asked Michael if he had received my book, fully expecting him to have no recollection of it given that several years had passed. He told me he remembered it and particularly liked my appendix with historical events, birthdays etc. for every day of the year, a lifelong passion of mine that you can still see in the upper left-hand corner of the Bulletin every day. A few years later I joined the Celebrator Beer News and saw Michael more and more at events around the country. I loved hearing him talk about beer, of course, but I figured out early on that it wasn't the only thing he loved. As a result we started discussing literature, politics, music — especially jazz — and topics decidedly non-beery whenever we saw one another. He recommended many books and authors to me over the years, including ones I now cherish such A.J. Liebling. I think Michael liked being able to relax and not have to talk about beer constantly and I just enjoyed his company, he was insightful and a great storyteller. But I think my favorite Michael memory took place at the Craft Brewers Conference when it was in San Diego in 2004. One night everyone was around the central pool area enjoying the many San Diego beers there. I was feeling hungry and thinking about getting dinner even though it was later in the evening. About that same time, Michael declared he was hungry and it turned out we were the only peckish ones in our group standing around chatting. I volunteered to take Michael to dinner so his people could stay at the party. We walked slowly over to the closest restaurant in Town & Country, the self-contained resort where CBC was being held, talking amiably about nothing and everything. But we arrived too late and a rude maitre'd would not seat us and suggested we try the last remaining open restaurant in the complex, though he wouldn't guarantee it was open either. Outside the restaurant, I persuaded a Town & Country employee to take us to the other restaurant, Kelly’s Steakhouse, in his electric golf-cart because Michael was visibly tired. Kelly's Steakhouse was open and we sat at a corner table, before spying Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo out to dinner with some friends. They had just sat down, too, and invited us to join them and we all re-situated ourselves at a larger table. It was a great night of wine, beer and conversation. And there are a few funny stories I can't tell here. The outpouring of memories and reminiscences in the last 24-hours are a living testament to the influence Michael had throughout his thirty-plus-years writing about beer and spirits. It's hard to imagine a single soul who did more for an industry. It's a remarkable achievement that reminds me of one of my favorite stories, Jean Giono's The Man Who Planted Trees. It's a French tale about a solitary man living alone in the hills of a desolate part of rural France as a sheepherder. Every night he hand picks fifty acorns and the following day he plants them. He does this for years and then decades, totally changing the landscape. The trees flourish which brings back birds, animals, plants and water, which in turn brings life back to an entire region, including countless people who begin moving back into the area. It was made into a wonderful animated film several years ago which won an Academy Award for short animated feature (you can watch the video on Google Video). The story is about how the dedication and perseverance of one man — which could be you or me — can really make a difference. So often we feel like nothing we do can or will make much of a difference, but people like Elzéard Bouffier (the fictional tree man) and Michael Jackson prove that it is possible for an exceptional person to have a profound effect on peoples' lives. It's almost impossible to imagine what the American craft beer industry would be like today without Michael Jackson. He wrote with such passion and enthusiasm — and so beautifully — that he inspired countless brewers and beer enthusiasts. Without his voice, where would be today? He was a giant among men. Try as we might, none of us writing today are in his league. A few are very good — you know who you are — but there is no one as clearly gifted. Of course, through his work Michael will live on and continue to inspire us, as well as future generations of beer lovers. Posted by: Jay Brooks, Brookston Beer Bulletin - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 05:08:59 (EDT) Over 20 years ago I targeted my first visit to Brickskellers in Washington with MJ's first Pocket Beer Book. I thought it would be so cool to arrive all the way from England with a book that listed this bar in Georgetown. However I walked in to find 10 other international guys sitting there and each with their own copy. Even then Michael Jackson was uniting people in a good cause. He taught us that beer was interesting whatever your culture or background. Thank you Michael. Posted by: Richard Pechey - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 05:03:10 (EDT) Over 20 years ago I targeted my first visit to Brickskellers in Washington with MJ's first Pocket Beer Book. I thought it would be so cool to arrive all the way from England with a book that listed this bar in Goergetown. However I walked in to find 10 other international guys sitting there and each with their own copy. Even then Michael Jackson was uniting people in a good cause. He taught us that beer was interesting whatever your culture or background. Thank you Michael. Posted by: Richard Pechey - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 05:01:53 (EDT) I have known Michael for over 20 years and looked up to him as a whisky writer, a meticulous researcher and an insightful commentator on drink matters. When I started out as a whisky writer in the early 80s I was unknown and through his agents he offered to help me with my first proposal. Although it never made the light of day, I have never forgotten his generosity. When we met at whisky functions or distilleries I was always able to spend time talking to him. A pioneer, a great journalist and a most generous source of knowledge and wisdom. We shall all miss him greatly. Posted by: Neil Wilson, Neil Wilson Publishing Ltd - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 04:43:14 (EDT) Michael Jacksons wonderful book "Scotland and Its Whiskies" inspired my fiancée and I to a road- and ferry trip through Scotland this summer. I had much enjoyed Michaels muted, almost therapeutic, narrative about the nature and landscapes that gave us whisky. It was most impressive to find that the feel of Scotland had been so effortlessly captured by his judicious choices of words and metaphors. Michael Jackson was a true master of his craft, and opened up a new world of whisky and beer to untold multitudes. Few will have spread so much joy in their life. Thanks Michael, I will drink a glass of Aberlour a'bunadh Batch 17 to you tonight. Posted by: Soeren Dalsgaard, Interpreter, EU Institutions - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 03:33:12 (EDT) The beer renaissance has had many pioneers, but none was more influential - or revered - than Michael Jackson. It's not far-fetched to say he was the founding father, author, and conscience of a revolution. On image alone, Michael was the most unlikely of revolutionaries. In Yiddish, he'd have been called a schlump (you can look it up if you can't figure it out), and he hardly seemed to be a firebrand. But, oh my! His writing was so clear and concise that he would have inspired the likes of Jefferson and Paine, and he was such a soft-spoken advocate for his cause that even Gandhi would have been impressed. What's really shocking is that I just saw Michael earlier this month. A few of us were lucky enough to spend a Sunday afternoon with him at the Twickenham Stoop, home stadium for his local rugby league side, Herlequins RL. The effects of his illness notwithstanding, Michael was full of life and enthusiasm, cheering on his team ("Come on, London!") and doggedly convincing us of the superiority of rugby league vs. rugby union. After the match, he guided us to a stadium bar for a round of beers, which we enjoyed in the bright sunshine while discussing topics dear to his heart - music, books, film, and yes, even beer. I'm sorry we'll never be able to enjoy another match together, but I'm thankful for this final memory of a vibrant and engaging man. Michael was an unlikely revolutionary whose voice will justifiably survive for generations. The beer world will certainly miss him, but for those who were lucky enough to see some of his private side, the pain is even greater. Michael Jackson was more than "the Beer Hunter." He was a complex and fascinating person. I'm proud to have lived and shared in his lifetime. Go in peace, my friend. Thanks for everything. Posted by: Steve Hamburg, Chicago, IL - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 03:12:22 (EDT) Jeez, you hate to have to deal with a hole like this. I mean it’s Thursday, everyone’s throttlin’ down for Labor Day Weekend, summer’s last hurrah. Then this news, Michael, St. Michael is gone, like something you left undone that bites you in the butt. You try and go on, negotiate around this hole, but it keeps getting bigger, more encompassing. It’s like when Jerry checked out – Jerry Garcia that is. For Beerheads, this is what Deadheads felt, what nearly 10 years ago? Of course it’s more painful. I didn’t know Jerry. Closest I got was about 25 yards away with a telephoto lens at a JG Band concert in Mendocino County, CA. I knew Michael, St. Michael. I have many stories, and memories that I will love to share with all who St. Michael touched, but there’s one moment that haunts me. We shared the memory of a dearly departed, over a beer in NYC, and there came a moment of silent bonding, out of time with no words (I think he called it a “frisson” or something – he wrote about it). That’s where I’m at right now. -- Tony Forder Posted by: Tony Forder, Ale Street News - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 02:37:45 (EDT) A big friend of Finland has passed away Finnish Beer fans has with a great sadness received the news of Michael Jackson's death. Michael had a big heart for Finland and for Finnish beer. It is not a secret, that trough Michael, Finnish sahti and porter nowadays are known worldwide. He also taught us to appreciate and be proud of our traditional beers. Michael enjoyed his stays in Finland; "Finland is like the second home country for me" he said on his latest and unfortunately last visit to Helsinki in April. Michael also taught new generations all over the world to enjoy and discover beer. His work for beer will live on for many generations to come. With great respect to Michael Jackson's work and memory. Olutliitto ry. - Finnish Beer Union, Helsinki, Finland ............................ Suuri Suomen ystävä on poissa Suomalaiset oluenystävät ovat ottaneet surulla vastaan uutisen Michael Jacksonin poismenosta. Michael sydän sykki Suomelle ja suomalaisille oluille. Michaelin ansiota on pitkälti se, että suomalainen sahti ja portteri tunnetaan kautta maailman. Michael opetti myös meidät arvostamaan perinneoluitamme. Michael viihtyi Suomessa. "Suomi on minulle kuin toinen kotimaa", hän totesi viimeiseksi jääneellä vierailullaan viime huhtikuussa Helsingissä. Michael opetti uudet sukupolvet nauttimaan oluesta. Hänen elämäntyönsä ei tule valumaan hukkaan. Kevyet vaahdot suurelle oluen ystävälle. Michael Jacksonin elämäntyötä ja muistoa kunnioittaen. Olutliitto ry. Posted by: Olutliitto ry. - Finnish Beer Union - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 01:10:35 (EDT) The world has lost its greatest beer journalist, but Michael Jackson's greatest contribution lives on. He gave an entire world of beer lovers a voice and a common vocabulary. Thank you Michael. I hope they had a Trappist ale and an Islay malt waiting for you. Posted by: Rick Lyke - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 00:42:37 (EDT) As a third generation distributor, I was contemplating leaving the beer business because I was not having fun trying to convince people to purchase Old Milwaukee or Schlitz rather than Meister Brau. Then I discovered the works of Michael Jackson and everything changed. Later, when I was meeting Michael for the fourth or fifth time, he introduced me to Fritz Maytag and John Carpenter of the Anchor Brewery. After attending some classes at Anchor taught by the late Joseph Owades, I was appointed the distributor for Anchor in Alabama and my journey to represent the finest breweries in the world began. I have never looked back and I have no regrets. Thank you Michael. Posted by: Harry Kampakis Birmingham Beverage Company - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 00:18:11 (EDT) I have actually met both Michael Jacksons, one on Concorde flying back to New York to visit my friend Catman, but the one who really mattered, in Edmonton (Alberta not the London suburb) at a tasting of Big Rock beers. We talked after the organized part of the evening and our conversation did spill over into that other amber liquid he sometimes writes about too...and that at the moment I am paying tribute to him with. (Sorry, no IPAs in the fridge at the moment.) Michael gave me his business card which I still have, and told me to call him next time I was in London. It had a photo of him snifting a liquid in a large glass, over a bold red "Michael Jackson" and his Nasmyth Street address in London. Over the years he was never in London when I was in London, so the last time we met and chatted was at the GABF in Denver about 7 or 8 years ago. In the meantime, his books and columns on both beer and whisky helped me wend my way through these two new worlds, my having spent the 70s figuring out the arcane world of wines with the guidance of another Brit, Hugh Johnson. But the beauty of reading Jackson's beer columns was that we were all marvelling at the brewing rennaissance taking place around the world. And we were all taking this journey together. It didn't matter where we went, there was always a $2 bottle or $4 pint waiting to delight us, be it in Eastern Europe or the midwest USA. I thank Michael for devoting his life to writing about beer and whisky so the rest of us could know where to look and what to sip, and in doing so open up many new realms of taste. Michael, in Hebrew (and a name I share with him), means King. And in our world, you were and will always be the real King of Beer! Posted by: David Balcon - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 22:48:58 (EDT) If knowledge is power, then the passing of this man of malt, surely leaves us thirsty & empty. More than any other person on Earth, MJ brought this passion & knowledge to the masses. Through his video series, books or DVDs, he offered a no nonsense, straight forward look into the the strongest, the rarest, the most obscure beers on the planet! Some would say, a Dream Job. others would say a Dream Life. Sleep well sweet prince, sleep well... Posted by: Sir Howard, Cock-&-Bull Pub, Florida - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 22:10:51 (EDT) As I wrote on my own website earlier tonight, one of my favorite Micheal Moments was at a dinner hosted by Fuller Brewing in London in 2005 where, when someone made some foolish remarks about American craft beer, he jumped to his feet and gave the fellow a stern dressing down in a 15 minute, perfectly organized, off the cuff speech that left no doubt about his feelings that this is the best beer country in the world. Then he sat back down, smiled and picked up our conversation where it had left off. Posted by: Jack Curtin - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 22:01:16 (EDT) I first met Michael at the AHA Chicago Convention in 2003. During the opening luncheon, I had the honor of sitting with Michael and Fred Eckhardt. At the time I owned most of Michael's books and his video series and to sit with him was a bit surreal; until he spoke. I found him to be the most congenial person and friendly to a fault and any feeling of 'unworthiness' disappeared. Over the next hour or so we shared 'beer hunter' stories and spoke of many beer adventures. I left the table with an invitation to 'visit him anytime' in London. An offer that, now, I wish I had taken. Over the past five years I've seen Michael at numerous GABF's and other festivals in Belgium and each time was greeted as if by an old friend. Michael was a friend to all and did more for my love of craft beer than any other individual. He was the original beer lover and beer hunter and I will miss his presence at each beer event that I attend from her on. Tonight I toasted Michael with a glass of 1972 Westvleteren Extra and a glass of Balvenie 10 Year Founder's Reserve. Rest in Peace Michael. Posted by: Jim Ritchhart Southern Brew News - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 22:00:26 (EDT) As you already know, Michael could - and regularly did - write rings around me. You might look forward to getting All About Beer Magazine in your mailbox. I, on the other hand, knew there were going to be words from me about four beers and words from the Pope about four beers. Four visits to the principal's office. I loved him anyway. You look at the posts above, across blogs, on beer discussions boards today and you'll see stories about what a great person he was (indeed), and a wonderful writer (true), and an entertaining speaker (yep) and THE most important person in the world in making sure you and I get to drink beer with character. I can only add that he was great at what he set out to be on Aug. 5, 1958 (I figure there is a reason he remembered the date) when he went to work at his local newspaper. He was the consummate journalist. But I'm more than a little pissed off he's not going to be around to write about it on the 50th anniversary. Posted by: Stan Hieronymus - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 21:55:59 (EDT) Papazian, Miller and Daniels introduced me to how to make beer. Michael Jackson introduced me to everything beer was, and to everything beer could become. Early into my days as a homebrewer, I bought Jackson’s “Beer Companion”, a hardcover tome rich with photos and eloquent prose that taught me there was a different world beyond the beers I had experienced. I read it cover to cover in days, and it connected me to the revelation of brewing history and the evolution of beer styles. It is in the fullness of time that I recognize this book was not just a forensic evaluation of a science/art dating back to before written history, but a template towards the evolution that is what we see as today’s renaissance of artisanal brewing. More intimately, Michael Jackson’s works inspired me to make brewing the charge of my future. Were it not for the contemplative thoughts and journalistic drive of this great ambassador of beer, I and others like me may never have discovered not only what beer was, but what it can become. See you at the pub, Mr. Jackson. Keith Lemcke Vice-President Siebel Institute of Technology Posted by: Keith Lemcke - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 21:53:13 (EDT) I've had the pleasure of meeting Michael twice, once at a tasting at Dock Street in Philly in 1991 when he was tasting and commenting on their beers, and once at the GABF later in the 90's, getting him to sign my copy of the New World Guide to Beer. He was politely well-spoken and gracious, despite having been asked the same questions innumerable times that trip, I'm sure. I'm hoisting a pint of Breckenridge Brewery's 471 IPA tonight in his memory, best I've got in the house. Here's to Michael, the best voice that beer had, and a good bloke, to boot. Posted by: Gregory Curry - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 21:31:14 (EDT) I met MJ at one of his tasting dinners in Philly over ten years ago and I was so impressed with him, and the beer, that my next vacation was a driving tour of Belgium, with a copy of Great Beers of Belgium in hand! I've enjoyed many a good beer thanks to MJ and I really owe him big. Very sorry I never got the chance to say that in person. Posted by: portwineboy - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 21:12:43 (EDT) I had the honor of hosting Michael on his first on-line forum/chat. That was back in the days when we were all on Compuserve and it was a big deal to get 2 dozen beer geeks into the same "room" with Michael and have him respond to questions in real time. He was quite amazed by the interest at the time. I found him to be genuinely interested in people and their involvement with beer and brewing. He was always tipping his hat to homebrewers for taking a step that he had never tried, brewing their own. He was one of a kind. We have all gained from his involvement in our favorite libations. I will raise a glass to him when I get home tonight. Single Malt followed by a Craft Beer. Cheers Michael! May you never know a dry throat. RW... Posted by: Russ Wigglesworth, BJCP - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 20:35:44 (EDT) Today is a very dark day indeed for beerland. Sadly, I never got a chance to meet Michael Jackson, although I've read his books (and still use them as reference sources). He has been an inspiration to me, both as a beer scribe and a beer drinker/enthusiast. A toast by the global beer community to Michael is certainly in order. He was the guru of brew, and there is no one poised to take his place in terms of influence, knowledge, experience and pure taste. Whether Michael's mention of "Mort Subite" in his final column was ironic or prescient, it was entirely appropriate for his dry wit (no pun intended), simultaneously referencing its translation, "sudden death," as well as the lambic beer and Brussels biercafe of the same name. If, as the song goes, "In heaven there is no beer...," there will need to be some changes made -- and quickly -- now that Michael Jackson has checked in. Cheers, Michael. Now you can taste the angel's share! Posted by: Tomm Carroll, LA Correspondent, THE CELEBRATOR - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 20:00:42 (EDT) I've had a number of opportunities to taste beers with Michael Jackson; to sit down and chat with him over a beer, and also to interview him for publications and for my film. The man had true class. He could instantly become your friend--candid, accepting and appreciative. Even when it came time to be "on," (working as the Beer Hunter, or a pitch man for Belgian Beers) the professional side of him never seemed staged. He remained friendly and cordial, and if he could, jovial. He would always sneak in some dry sarcasm to the mix. In either case, friend or pro, he remained real. He never acted or played a role. He was always himself. I'm glad I got to know him. I thank him for sharing his passion for beer with the world, and for sharing the passion he had for life. Cheers! Michael Jackson " **** " Posted by: Jay Sheveck, Beer Guppy - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 19:08:25 (EDT) Sometimes I have asked the Scott Birdwell, the proprietor of our local homebrew shop and a long-time of MJ's, "When are we going to get Mr. Jackson back to Houston?" for it has been many years since his last stop here. I now sadly know the answer to that question. Michael has truly been an inspiration to those who enjoy thinking, talking and drinking beer. His and Fred's columns are the reason I have had a subscription to AAB for these many years. His words in those columns and books, and his demeanor and comportment the few times that I have met him, have provided guidance to me and legions more in our pursuit of the enjoyment of the good things in life. He will be sorely missed. Cheers to you, Mr. Jackson! Sean Lamb Posted by: Sean Lamb - Houston Foam Rangers Homebrew CLub - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 18:07:32 (EDT) I’m stunned and saddened. So many things are running through my head. I met Michael in October of 1988 in the back yard of the original Gingerman in Houston. We were eating BBQ from the now long gone Poor Man’s Country Club, washing it down with a beautiful bottle (or 3) of Chimay Grande Reserve accompanied by a wheel of the Chimay Grand Cru Cheese, it was nearly heaven. I was there with the owner, Bob Precious, and the owner of the then next door DeFalco’s homebrew shop, Scott Birdwell. We were getting ready FOR Michael’s first visit to Texas. The previous night he had done a disastrous tasting at another bar in the area (nameless to protect the guilty), 5 people showed up. A few minutes after our meal well over 200 people were packed into the back yard waiting for Michael to talk. After the tasting was over Michael signed books, and more books, he was scheduled to fly to Austin and it became increasingly evident that it wasn’t going to work, a short discussion ensued, Michael was adamant that he wanted to sign people’s books, I jumped in. I offered to drive Michael to Austin after he finished signing books, at 10 pm Michael, Scott and I started out on our 3 hr drive from Houston to Austin. We talked for the first half then Michael decided to get in a little sleep, he was due to be on the early morning show in Austin @ 8am. We dropped him off at the hotel, headed over to the bar I used to work at, caught last call and headed back to Houston. Michael never forgot that meal and drive to Austin, I still have that copy of the World Guide to Beer, a later inscription says “to the Duvel’s (devil’s) driver”. I owe Michael an awful lot, he built the framework for the craft brewing industry, gave it the written structure that inspired a couple of generations of people to not accept the pablam that was offered, but instead to search out, or better yet, make something different. Right now I think I’m going to get something out of my cellar and share it with the bar, I can’t think of anything better to do, maybe I’ll get lucky and turn someone on to something new. I can only hope. Chris Black King & head Beer Geek Falling Rock Tap House Posted by: Chris Black Falling Rock Tap House - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 18:05:15 (EDT) Michael Jackson was truly a bellwether for those who love good beer, as well as those who presume to share that love with other via the written word. A truly unique voice has been silenced, and we who remain are all the poorer for it. Thank you, Michael, for your example as well as your passion. Ward Pond editor, Brews and News, 1992-1994 Posted by: Ward Pond, former newsletter editor, Maltose Falcons Home Brewing Society - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 17:56:42 (EDT) Over the years I've had the pleasure of a few enjoyable evenings with Michael. Along with Bob Brewer we formed a trio self-labeled as "the Lumberjack, the Rabbi and the cop". Our one rule on these occasions was that conversation about beer was off-limits. Like many, I took pleasure in Michael's writing, but always considered the "no beer talk" evenings as our most pleasurable connection. Best wishes for his immediate and extended family. Rabbi you are sorely missed. Gregg Smith Posted by: Gregg Smith - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 17:53:36 (EDT) When I first started learning about beer, I went out and bought all of Michael Jackson's books. I looked forward to the day when I could meet Michael and discuss beer over a pint. That would have been a pinnacle moment in my life! I'm very sad that I'll never be able to do that now, but his life and career made mine possible! Cheers Michael. Wish I could have met you. Sincerely, Christina Perozzi www.christinaperozzi.com Posted by: Christina Perozzi, Beer 4 Chx - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 17:53:11 (EDT) When I first started learning about beer, I went out and bought all of Michael Jackson's books. I looked forward to the day when I could meet Michael and discuss beer over a pint. That would have been a pinnacle moment in my life! I'm very sad that I'll never be able to do that now, but his life and career made mine possible! Cheers Michael. Wish I could have met you. Posted by: Christina Perozzi, Beer 4 Chx - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 17:52:52 (EDT) Although I never had the opportunity to meet Micheal in person, I was always keenly aware of his celebrity presence in the world of craft beer. He truly was a star. I arrived to the craft beer scene late (well, relatively, I'm only in my mid 20s). That said, from my first foray into this world of great beer, Micheal was always on my radar as the gold standard for beer knowledge, criticism and critique. His massive collection of work stood to me as an eternally optimistic light that craft beer has the ability to change lives and revolutionize cultures. That optimism inspired by Micheal has never been forgotten, and never will. I remember seeing a clip of Micheal on the Conan O'Brien show. Although Conan didn't give much respect to Micheal's subject matter, it was such an amazing moment, to think that a craft beer writer and critic was on one of the most popular late shows in the world. Simply awesome. I realized, not too long ago, when Micheal had finally become a deep rooted figure in my brain. When friends and colleagues mentioned the name "Michael Jackson", I thought first of the beer writer, not of the pop singer. That's pretty big. I hope Micheal's last beer was exceptional. We'll miss you, Micheal. Posted by: Justin Davis, davisondraft.com - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 17:18:29 (EDT) I know it might sound trite, but Michael Jackson was my hero. His books and Beer Hunter TV episodes solidified in me a true love for craft beer. I made it my goal over the last 17 years to visit every locale featured in the Beer Hunter series, and his guidance led me to understand and appreciate the beers and brewing traditions of Europe. Michael inspired me to become a beer judge, host tastings, run beer festivals, and write for beer publications. I've judged with him at the Great American Beer Festival and shared delightful conversations over a beer or two. He has quite possibly done more for the appreciation of modern craft beer than any other person. I feel as though the beer world has lost its guiding force, but Michael would not want us to mourn his life. He would encourage us to continue the evolution of great beer culture that he helped start. A Trappist monk once said, "In heaven there is no beer -- that's why we drink it here." For Michael's sake, I hope the monk was wrong. Posted by: Owen Ogletree - www.ClassicCityBrew.com - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 17:17:40 (EDT) My friend, Gary Monterosso, and myself were so excited in 2001 when we were told we could take MJ around NJ to visit breweries! Being a longtime fan of this great writer, my life was changed by this encounter and the next 4 years of travels we took with him. We found him to be very down to earth and humble preferring to discuss politics, history and personal lives rather than all beer. Unfortunately, we could also watch his decline though we didn't know the cause until he revealed it to the world. We thought it may have been something worse, though Parkinson's is no picnic. Putting a name to it at least made the rest of us feel better. I last saw him at Garrett Oliver's Dinner at Monks in March. He was a surprise guest and I'm glad that I got to see him again before his passing. He will be missed by so many, but his legacy will live on forever. We must carry on what he began and make him proud. I'm so glad I got to know the real person that he was and will cherish that for the rest of my life. Slainte, Michael! Posted by: Mark Haynie - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 17:15:17 (EDT) I was late to meeting Michael Jackson, just two or three years ago, but that didn't prevent me being in awe by his presence. It's not hyperbole to say that Michael was an industry rock star. But his humility, his wit, and his mild manner won me over immediately. He was a great character and a great gentleman. He will be sorely missed. Posted by: Harry Schuhmacher, Beer Business Daily - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 16:47:24 (EDT) I don't know why Michael didn't smack me, any number of times. I introduced myself to him the first time while we were side-by-side in a men's room; can the man have no privacy? I recall -- vaguely, there'd been a lot of Wynkoop and martinis under the bridge by that time -- seeing Michael in his seersucker at GABF in 1996, and rubbing the fabric between my fingers; "That's nice," I mumbled. "Yes," he said, "and it doesn't show wrinkles, either." Shoulda smacked me. But he didn't. He gave me advice, he was a good friend (once we got that seersucker thing behind us), and I'll never forget how he quickly dragged me and a copy of my first book into a photo opp with a major newspaper. Michael e-mailed me once to ask if I had any pictures of his big tasting in Philly that year. I told him I did, but unfortunately, they were all somewhat blurred. "Funny, that's how I remember it too," he replied. When I remember Michael, it will be in images as clear as kristallweizen, sharp as Berliner Weisse, and powerful as a cask strength single malt. Get a glimpse as he passes; you won't see one like him again. Posted by: Lew Bryson - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 16:30:28 (EDT) I first met Michael in 1985 at the GABF. Over the years, we talked about beer and blues and cocktails served in Thin Man movies. His books, of course, were gospel, and in person he was the best company, the best kind of conversationalist, witty, knowledgeable, friendly, and a great, great story teller. I am so much richer for having known him. Posted by: Kihm Winship - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 16:01:09 (EDT) Michael was my guide for my journey through beer. For the past quarter of a century, he shaped my approach to my work and to beer. I "discovered" beer through his books, not being a fan until his prose unlocked beer's beauty. Through his eyes, I saw, and promoted, the community of brewers, that rare fraternity of theoretical competitors but actual friends. With him on the podium I learned the protocols of beer events. Even as a writer I looked to Michael as the gold standard, one of my first bits a review of the beer bars of Paris listed in one of his early works. Then there was my job as a beer magazine publisher, Michael taking it as his personal challenge to shape me into the type of publisher he felt beer deserved. All I can do is stare at my phone and accept there is one number I can no longer call. Posted by: Daniel Bradford, Publisher All About Beer Magazine - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 15:45:24 (EDT) Michael was a one-of-a-kind. From the earliest days he was aware of this cocky young Toronto lad writing about beer in the city's leading paper, he was never anything but entirely supportive. He would surely have balked at the very notion, but I thought of him as a sort of absentee mentor, instrumental in my success and pivotal in the development of my knowledge and style. Many is the time that I have said, "If Michael hadn't done what he did when he did it, there's little chance I would be where I am today." I wonder how many others, writers and brewers and brewery owners and beer aficionados alike, would echo that sentiment. Thousands, no doubt. Posted by: Stephen Beaumont - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 15:44:48 (EDT) I have attended the last 15 or so tutored beer tastings at the University Of Pennsylvania (led by Mr. Jackson), and always came away informed and entertained. He was always gracious when it came to answering a question (no matter how obtuse), taking a picture or signing his autograph. There's an expression: "he might not be in a class by himself, but it doesn't take long to call roll." Well, Michael Jackson WAS in a class by himself -- there was no other "beer hunter" who dedicated himself so deeply to advancing the cause that is "good beer." I for one, will miss his wit and his insight. Prost, Michael! Posted by: Adrian Marcewicz - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 15:34:56 (EDT) For over ten years, I have edited Michael's regular column for All About Beer: reminding, cajoling, re-stating deadlines and competing with other frustrated editors for his attention. He was always over-scheduled and over-committed, and too easily persuaded to agree to a short piece for a newspaper -- his first and favorite forum, I suspect. Then he would reward patience by sending me a column. They were always very good, and on occasion they were amazing. The strange thing is, Michael's finest columns, including the final one for the magazine, dealt only tangentially with beer. Instead, he conveyed a deep affection for the people who surrounded beer, an understanding for their foibles, and a sympathy for their struggles. I'll be dipping into those columns this afternoon, and appreciating the work of a man who was a wonderful writer, not just a wonderful writer on beer. Posted by: Julie Bradford, All About Beer Magazine - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 14:03:37 (EDT) Michael Jackson's books and articles have meant alot to all of us. I think it's time to pull out some those old classics like New World Guide to Beer and read them again (for the 100th time!). Posted by: Carl Miller, BeerBooks.com - Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 13:05:18 (EDT)