Michael Jackson In Memorandum

During what is usually a carefree and enjoyable evening with the Chicago Beer Society, we took some time to toast the life of Michael Jackson. No, not the pop star but rather a much more normal individual. I'm talking about the beer critic and writer who last his battle with Parkinson's disease last week. This announcement was news to me as we were asked to raise our glasses. Michael Jackson is considered the most influential individual in the early days of the craft beer revolution. He wrote 'The World Guide to Beer' in 1977, when there were only approximately 40 breweries operating in the US. As one brewer said, 'His book was pivotal in the history of beer, because it was the first time that anyone had taken an academic approach to the culture of beer by looking at people's habits, traditions, how it tastes and the brewing styles.' Although I am only vaguely familiar with his writings, I found it interesting how some of the beer gurus in my beer society were touched by him. They went around the room and said a few words about what a passionate and positive person he was. They told stories about how he took time to be involved with a our local club, by judging a homebrew contest in which everyone was required to use a box of cereal in their beer. He even tried so hard to make a good food pairing for a AHA conference that many a hung over beer nerd was served cold poached catfish the following morning. But I think the nicest thing that was said about him involved his positive nature. He would refuse to downright rip upon anyone's attempt to create a great product. He also loved the authenic. They spoke of how he found beauty in old dirty breweries many Americans would find rank. He served as an inspiration to a couple of generation of beer drinkers so far and his influence will undoubtably be felt for numerous future generations.

(The picture is a cartoon of Michael Jackson in hell, where the only beer option is Miller Lite)