The Beer Hunter Will Be Missed

    Michael Jackson, known in the industry as “The Beer Hunter” died on August 30. He was 65.
    “Jackson recently revealed that he suffered from Parkinson’s disease and was battling other health problems,” states Jackson’s blog, www.michaeljacksonthe
beerhunter.blogspot.com. “He remained active, speaking at beer and whisky events around the world and most recently addressing British beer writers before the Great British Beer Festival.
    “Jackson began working for a local Yorkshire newspaper in 1958, when he was 16, having even earlier submitted news stories and jazz reviews. Working as both a writer and editor during the next 20 years he contributed to dozens of publications and also made documentary films. In his frequent travels he became deeply interested not only in drinking a wider range of beers, but how they were made and their origins.
“He published his first book about beer, The English Pub, in 1976, but it was his second, the World Guide to Beer (1977) that dovetailed with a quite young beer and brewing revolution in the United States. The book became a bible for both brewers and drinkers reconnecting with traditional beer.
    “His television documentary called ‘The Beer Hunter’ remains a cult classic almost 20 years after it was compiled.”
    Jackson also was a respected authority on Scotch whisky.
    “The Distilled Spirits Council and the entire spirits industry is saddened by the news,” said Frank Coleman, senior vice president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “On behalf of the Distilled Spirits Council, I extend to Michael’s family our prayers and condolences.
    “For years, each revised edition of Michael’s ‘Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch’ was an eagerly awaited bible and guidebook for whiskey lovers around the world. He was a voice for both excellence and moderation, who will be missed by whiskey aficionados everywhere.”