On Michael Jackson's Passing

Of course by now, you all know of the untimely death of Beer & Whisky writer legend Michael Jackson on August 30th.

At the time of his death I was in the middle of Nevada's Black Rock desert with no access to the outside world. I did not learn about his death until my return. As such, I had no opportunity to write a timely & fitting tribute.

But of course a web site dedicated to whisky couldn't let his passing go without mention.

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I first met Michael some 15 years ago when he hosted a beer tasting in Washington, DC. I was just getting into craft brews and his passion for the topic struck me and delivered me whole-heartedly into the mind frame of "Drink Better". At that tasting Michael signed a beer glass for me which my wife subsequently placed in the dish-washer - returning the glass to it's pristine, pre-signatorial state. She is, of course, no longer my wife.

Years later, Michael signed a book for me with the simple inscription "Keep Writing". For a journeyman in the world of spirits writing, being recognized by THE master was a special moment for me. Just as special is the fact that a signed copy of my book resides in Michael's Library.

In my subsequent meetings with Michael he was always kind and encouraging. I'm really quite sad - not only that I'll never get to run into him again - but that I won't be able to enjoy new words of wisdom from him.

The whisky world is truly a poorer place for his passing.

Gary Regan knew Michael better than I and recently had this to say in his Ardent Spirits newsletter:

The world lost a great man on August 30 when Michael Jackson, the man who almost singlehandedly saved the world's craft brews from extinction, brought single malt scotch to the attention of the planet, and paved the way for all modern-day beer and spirits writers, died of a heart attack at his London home.  He will, indeed, be missed by millions, and his tireless work will not be forgotten.

Ian Buxton has known Michael for quite some time and contributes this about Michael:

I had the privilege knowing Michael since February 1984, when we met en route to various Czech breweries – a trip full of incident, recalled with great fondness when we met last, earlier this year.

Having written extensively on beer, by 1987 he had begun to develop an interest in whisky that became both encyclopaedic and authoritative.  His influence on the development of single malt whisky in particular cannot be over-stated.  He was the single most influential modern writer on whisky since Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart and, arguably, the most important since Alfred Barnard in the late 19th century. The distilling industry recognised this with various awards, most notably his nomination as a Master of the Quaich.

Despite his great experience and the increasing severity of his advancing illness he retained a charming enthusiasm.  Recently, on a particularly unrewarding distillery visit, I observed him making extensive notes, as was his lifetime habit.  When I asked what on earth he could find to write his reply characterised his innate modesty and unbounded gusto: “There is always something new to see”.  I am looking for it still!

Over the past 23 years I grew to admire not just his writing, his wide-ranging knowledge, his passion (over-used word) but also the good humour and fortitude with which he bore his long-standing illness.  His importance as a writer on both beer and whisky will grow in the future but for now we mourn the loss of a comrade, loyal friend and true guide.

I took this photo of Mike Miller (Delilah's Chicago, IL) chatting with Michael at the 2006 London WhiskyLive.

Comments

[Derek]

I bought his 5th edition about a year ago and it remains my "go-to" text when I am thinking about buying a whisky. Last weekend, I bought the Macallan Cask Strength and we had a houseguest who had never tried any whisky. I made her read the tasting notes and she admitted that it made the experience much better. Michael Jackson, through his book, introduced me to whisky.

[Neil Wilson]

I have known Michael for over 20 years and looked up to him as a whisky writer, a meticulous researcher and an insightful commentator on drink matters. When I started out as a whisky writer in the early 80s I was unknown and through his agents he offered to help me with my first proposal. Although it never made the light of day, I have never forgotten his generosity. When we met at whisky functions or distilleries I was always able to spend time talking to him. A pioneer, a great journalist and a most generous source of knowledge and wisdom. We shall all miss him greatly.

[Brendan Hickey]

There will be a national beer toast in honor of Michael Jackson at 9 PM EST on 9/30. This benefits the National Parkinson Foundation - worth checking your local pubs to find one that is participating. There will also be a ceremonial contribution on behalf of all the participating bars, restaurants and brewpubs at the Great American Beer Festival on Saturday, October 13

[John Skelly]

I was first made aware of this pioneer of my industry back in the late 90's. I had just begun my career as a bartender. I was fortunate enough to begin this in a new scotch/bourbon bar in Portland Oregon. Michael's influence of these spirits was felt imediately. I have read his books and wished upon his knowledge many times over. He has inspired me to be the most informed barman I know, yet upon comparison to he still ignorant at my trade. I hope someday to influence my colleagues the same as I was by Mr. Jackson. I value the confidence he gave me, and thank him for his contributions to our industry, it will never be the same(thank goodness for that).
R.I.P.

John Skelly

[John Skelly]

One more reflection of mine. I missed the opportunity to have my book signed last year during the GABF when Michael made an appearance at Pint's Pub here in Denver. Dumb mistake. Seize your chances. I missed mine. He would have loved to meet us all.