LONDON: Michael Jackson, a leading beer critic who praised the brews of Belgium especially and acknowledged he would never be as famous as “that Michael Jackson,” died Thursday. He was 65.
Jackson, known as the Beer Hunter, died of a heart attack at his home in west London, Paddy Gunningham, his partner, said Friday. She said that he had kept traveling despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease and that he had planned to write a book about the ailment.
Tim Hampson, chairman of the British Guild of Beer Writers, said, “He was simply the best beer writer we’ve ever known. He told wonderful stories about beer, breweries and far-away places. He told the story of beer through people, and he was humorous and erudite at the same time.”
Belgian brews were his special favorite. Two of his books, “The Great Beers of Belgium” and “World Guide to Beer,” introduced them to many export markets, including the United States.
By identifying beers by their flavors and styles, and by pairing them with particular foods and dishes, Jackson helped lead a renaissance of interest in beer and breweries worldwide that began in the 1970s, including the North American microbrewery movement.
His television documentary series, “The Beer Hunter,” which popularized his nickname, was filmed in many parts of the world and then was shown in 15 countries. He was a beer critic for more than 30 years and wrote books about beer and whiskey.
Jackson knew he would never be as famous as the rock star of the same name, and that was reflected on the beer critic’s Web site. “Hello, my name is Michael Jackson. No, not that Michael Jackson, but I am on a world tour,” the site says. “My tour is in pursuit of exceptional beer. That’s why they call me the Beer Hunter.”
I had the best Single Malt Whisky of my life last Friday night. It was a Balvenie Vintage Cask 1971.
