He was a wonderful writer and a real engaging speaker. I had the pleasure of attending a couple of beer tastings that he presided over and they were spectacular. I learned so much from those few sessions and I will cherish those memories. I also had the nice, but brief,chat with him about home brew. He had the ability to knock the snobbery out of all the pretentious beer flunkies and at the same time elevate beer from the cheap drink that it has been portrayed.

I will always remember his take on Budweiser. He described it as a very difficult beer to brew consitentanly. He described the beer as using a number of different style hops in the brew. He then added "I don't know what they do with the hops because I can't taste it, but they say it is in there". (I paraphrase.)

He did play a big role in the resurange of brewing traditions in this country. Because of him, the United States can lay claim to exceptional brews that range in style. He applauded the artistry and the chance taking that microbrewers in this country have shown. It is unfortunate that so many people around the world are under the delusion that Coors and Budweiser represent American beer. Michael proved that a myth.

Thank you Michael. You will be missed.   Tonight I had a lovely Fordham Copperhead Ale in your memory. I think tomorrow I will head over to Andy's Pub and join your loyal American pupils in raising a toast in your honor. It will be a nice Belgian. I wish you would walk in the door and give us a little background on it.

Cheers Michael!