Michael Jackson, one of the foremost authorities on beer and whisky, has passed away.
I'm pleased that I saw Michael speak at the British Guild of Beer Writers drinks earlier this month. I'm very sad that I'll never get the chance to sit and chat with him over a glass of something bracing.
His books, his newspaper articles and his television work have helped to introduce millions to the delights of world beer culture.
Here's to the Beer Hunter.
Never trust people who think beer subdivides into "lager", "bitter" and "Guinness".
Never trust people who say they like chain bars because "they always know what they're getting".
Never trust people who list "socialising" as an interest on their CV.
Never trust people who can't give a straightforward answer when you ask them where they're from.
Never trust people who invite you on skiing trips when you have never expressed any interest in the sport (or indeed their company).
Never trust blokes who try and ban the c-word from conversation because their bird doesn't like it (just say it more).
Never trust people who "don't like to lose control".
Finally and most importantly, never, ever trust people who don't drink beer, unless they have a very good excuse - and for the avoidance of doubt, being an uptight, miserable sod is not a very good excuse.
Stonch lives in London, where he runs a pub and works in speciality beer import and distribution.
Michael Jackson, one of the foremost authorities on beer and whisky, has passed away.
10 comments:
Truly a huge loss to the beer and the whisky culture in this country. His expertise will be sadly missed.
Strewth, that's the first I heard Stonch.
That's really really sad, he is/was my ultimate beer hero.
Shocked, what can I say?
Enormous loss - he is totally irreplaceable but leaves a tremendous legacy.
Thoughts and prayers to the Jackson family. This man was a pioneer in craft brewing. RIP Mr. Jackson.
What a man. What a loss.
It's always a sobering experience when someone you look up to dies. Our thought go out to the Jackson family.
A great man. Bought his books many years ago, and he spoke sense. RIP, and if it wasn't for you guys I would think that we would see the like again.
So he has done well then.
A sad day. His writing on beer was so clear and understandable. He also conveyed a great passion for the subject.
I lived in Belgium the summer of 1994 and found his Great Beers of Belgium a fantastic guide for interpreting the wealth of beers on our doorstep. That was the season that turned me from a drinker to a homebrewer. Was many years later that I had the chance to thank MJ at the GBBF. Were it not for him, I am sure I would not be in the business today.
I've put a photo up from our meeting at Olympia, 2001 on our website.
Stephen at Humpty Dumpty Brewery
What a loss, and at only 63!
His writings on beer were enjoyable and supremely informed. His work on whisky is I think more important. As it was said above: while his legacy is great he was taken far too soon and there are few or even none to take up the honest, hard-working, fun-loving and above all dedicated cudgel that has fallen from his mitt.
A glass is raised. My condolences to his family.
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