Obit: Michael Jackson - 'beer hunter' (Aug 2007)

Subject: Obit: Michael Jackson
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 10:25 PM

Michael Jackson the 65 year old "beer hunter" died today from a heart attack in London.

"Hello, my name is Michael Jackson. No, not that Michael Jackson, but I am on a world tour. My tour is in pursuit of exceptional beer. That's why they call me the Beer Hunter." Is the intro to his website.

At 55 and 75 US dollars a pop, I have purchased two of his books. Delightful reading with a brew or three.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Jackson - "beer hunter"
From: JennyO
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 10:47 PM

I hadn't heard of him before. Sounds like an interesting person. I don't mind a bit of exceptional beer myself ;-)

RIP that Michael Jackson.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Jackson - "beer hunter"
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 10:47 PM

Ya know Gargoyle I was going to post this myself...I don't post much anymore but the passing of this talented writer/researcher shouldn't go unmentioned. I think beer geeks (and I mean this sincerely) the world over will miss him for his knowledge, his guidance and his humour, Rest in peace Michael, I hope they have Orval where your going.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Jackson - "beer hunter"
From: Bill D
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 10:56 PM

If I understand correctly, he had his share of Orval while he was here....and part of my share, also. He even became an expert on Single Malt Scotch.

His books and columns will be missed...

I have a good Trappist Ale I have been saving...I will drink it in his memory.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Jackson - "beer hunter"
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 11:38 PM

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!

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Jackson - "beer hunter"
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 11:39 PM

By the way, if any Mudcatters find themselves in Northern NJ, please give me a call. I would love to buy you a brew at Andy's Corner Bar. You must experience it!

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Jackson - "beer hunter"
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Sep 07 - 12:10 AM

I'll keep that in mind, Ron.

And down here in DC, it's The Brickskeller! I haven't been in ages, as I live in the far suburbs now, but they have 100s of beers, and I need an excuse.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Jackson - "beer hunter"
From: sapper82
Date: 01 Sep 07 - 08:14 AM

A lot of pints of Real Ale will have been raised by CAMRA members in his honour and memory.
In the long run, probably of more use to the world than the one with the plastic face!