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{{Short description|Beer and whisky expert}}
{{Other people|Michael Jackson}}
{{Other people|Michael Jackson}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
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|name = Michael Jackson
|name = Michael Jackson
|image = Michael jackson beer.jpg
|image = Michael jackson beer.jpg
|caption = Jackson in 2004 at Helsinki Beer Festival
|caption = Jackson at the 2004 Helsinki Beer Festival
|birth_date = {{birth date|1942|3|27|df=y}}
|birth_date = {{birth date|1942|3|27|df=y}}
|birth_place = [[Wetherby]], [[West Riding of Yorkshire]], England
|birth_place = [[Wetherby]], [[West Riding of Yorkshire]], England
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|death_place = [[London]], England
|death_place = [[London]], England
|known_for = Beer and whisky reviewing and journalism
|known_for = Beer and whisky reviewing and journalism
|partner = Paddy Gunningham (1981—2007)<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/03/world/europe/03jackson.html?_r=1 | work=The New York Times | title=Michael Jackson, 65, Beer Critic and author, Is Dead | date=3 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beer-pages.com/stories/michael-jackson.htm |title=Michael Jackson, in memory of the Beer Hunter |publisher=Beer-pages.com |date= |accessdate=17 August 2012}}</ref>
|partner = Paddy Gunningham (1981—2007)<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/03/world/europe/03jackson.html?_r=1 | work=The New York Times | title=Michael Jackson, 65, Beer Critic and author, Is Dead | date=3 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.beer-pages.com/stories/michael-jackson.htm |title=Michael Jackson, in memory of the Beer Hunter |publisher=Beer-pages.com |access-date=17 August 2012 |archive-date=28 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628105358/http://www.beer-pages.com/stories/michael-jackson.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|children =
|children =
|parents =
|parents =
|relatives =
|relatives =
|website = [http://www.beerhunter.com/about.html Michael Jackson's Beer Hunter][https://www.beermonthclub.com/the-rare-beer-club Rare Beer Club founder]
|website = [http://www.beerhunter.com/about.html Michael Jackson's Beer Hunter] <br/> [https://www.beermonthclub.com/the-rare-beer-club Rare Beer Club founder][https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/collections/special-collections/food-and-drink/michael-jackson-collection Michael Jackson Collection - Archive at Oxford Brookes University] [https://www.themjf.org/ The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling - Funding technical education and career advancement for black, indigenous, and people of colour in the brewing and distilling industries]
}}
}}


'''Michael James Jackson''' (27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007) was an English writer and journalist. He was the author of many influential books about [[beer]] and [[whisky]]. He was a regular contributor to a number of British [[broadsheet]]s, particularly ''[[The Independent]]'' and ''[[The Observer]]''.<ref name="The Daily Telegraph 2007, p29">''The Daily Telegraph'' (London), 1 September 2007, Obituary of Michael Jackson Writer who tirelessly examined and championed beer and later became an equal authority on malt whisky, p29</ref>
'''Michael James Jackson''' (27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007) was an English writer and journalist. He was the author of many influential books about [[beer]] and [[whisky]]. He was a regular contributor to a number of [[broadsheet]]s, particularly ''[[The Independent]]'' and ''[[The Observer]]''.<ref name="The Daily Telegraph">''The Daily Telegraph'' (London), 1 September 2007, Obituary of Michael Jackson Writer who tirelessly examined and championed beer and later became an equal authority on malt whisky, p29</ref>


Jackson's books have sold over three million copies worldwide and have been translated into eighteen different languages.<ref name="independent2007">{{cite news| title=Michael Jackson: best-selling beer writer | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/michael-jackson-401254.html | work=The Independent | date=3 September 2007 | location=London}}</ref> He is credited with helping to start a renaissance of interest in beer and breweries worldwide in the 1970s, particularly in the United States.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/03/world/europe/03jackson.html | work=The New York Times | title=Michael Jackson, 65, Beer Critic and author, Is Dead | date=3 September 2007}}</ref> He is also widely credited with popularising the idea of [[beer style]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zythophile.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/michael-jackson-and-the-invention-of-beer-style/ |title=Michael Jackson and the invention of beer style |publisher=Zythophile.wordpress.com |date=23 October 2010 |accessdate=17 August 2012}}</ref> His influential television series ''The Beer Hunter'' was shown in fifteen different countries.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bowering|first=Ian|title=Brewing in Formosa: 125 Years of Tradition, 1870–1995|year=1995|publisher=General Store Publishing House|location=Burnstown, Ontario, Canada|isbn=1896182224|page=v|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AYgndCyYwR0C&lpg=PR5&dq=%22beer%20hunter%22%20%2215%20countries%22&pg=PR5#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>
Jackson's books have sold over three million copies worldwide and have been translated into eighteen languages.<ref name="The Independent">{{cite news| title=Michael Jackson: best-selling beer writer | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/michael-jackson-401254.html | work=The Independent | date=3 September 2007 | location=London}}</ref> He is credited with helping to start a renaissance of interest in beer and breweries worldwide in the 1970s, particularly in the United States.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/03/world/europe/03jackson.html | work=The New York Times | title=Michael Jackson, 65, Beer Critic and author, Is Dead | date=3 September 2007}}</ref> He is also widely credited with popularising the idea of [[beer style]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zythophile.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/michael-jackson-and-the-invention-of-beer-style/ |title=Michael Jackson and the invention of beer style |publisher=Zythophile.wordpress.com |date=23 October 2010 |access-date=17 August 2012}}</ref> His influential television series ''The Beer Hunter'' was shown in fifteen countries.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bowering|first=Ian|title=Brewing in Formosa: 125 Years of Tradition, 1870–1995|year=1995|publisher=General Store Publishing House|location=Burnstown, Ontario, Canada|isbn=1896182224|page=v|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AYgndCyYwR0C&q=%22beer%20hunter%22%20%2215%20countries%22&pg=PR5}}</ref>


He was as well-versed in [[malt whisky]] as he was in beer, and his book ''Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion'' (1989) is the best-selling book on the subject in the world.<ref name="independent2007"/>
He was as well-versed in [[malt whisky]] as he was in beer, and his book ''Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion'' (1989) was the best-selling book on the subject in the world.<ref name="The Independent"/>


At the time of his death Jackson had been suffering from [[Parkinson's disease]] for at least a decade. He did not declare his illness until his symptoms caused some to think he was drunk.<ref name="The Daily Telegraph 2007, p29"/>
At the time of his death, Jackson had been suffering from [[Parkinson's disease]] for at least a decade. He did not declare his illness until his symptoms caused some to think he was inebriated.<ref name="The Daily Telegraph"/>


==Life==
==Life==
Jackson was born in [[Wetherby]], West Riding of Yorkshire.<ref name=Protz>{{cite news |last=Protz |first=Roger |title=Obituary: Michael Jackson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/sep/04/guardianobituaries.lifeandhealth |accessdate=24 March 2015 |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=4 September 2007}}</ref> His father had Anglicised his [[Lithuanian Jews|Lithuanian Jewish]] surname Jakowitz to Jackson. The family moved to [[Leeds]] after the war.<ref name=Protz/> He went to [[King James's Grammar School, Almondbury]] and became a journalist, particularly being associated with [[Edinburgh]], where he first encountered whisky. On his return to London he briefly edited the advertising trade journal ''[[Campaign (magazine)|Campaign]]''.
Jackson was born in [[Wetherby]], West Riding of Yorkshire.<ref name=Protz>{{cite news |last=Protz |first=Roger |title=Obituary: Michael Jackson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/sep/04/guardianobituaries.lifeandhealth |access-date=24 March 2015 |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=4 September 2007}}</ref> His father had Anglicised his [[Lithuanian Jews|Lithuanian Jewish]] surname Jakowitz to Jackson. The family moved to [[Leeds]] after the war.<ref name=Protz/> He went to [[King James's Grammar School, Almondbury]] and became a journalist, particularly being associated with [[Edinburgh]], where he first encountered whisky. On his return to London he briefly edited the advertising trade journal ''[[Campaign (magazine)|Campaign]]''.


Michael Jackson became known in beer circles in 1977 when his book ''The World Guide To Beer'' was first published. This was later translated into more than ten languages and is still considered to be one of the most fundamental books on the subject.<ref>[http://www.breweryhistory.com/journal/archive/139/Evans.pdf Article] by [[Jeff Evans]] in ''Brewery History''</ref> The modern theory of [[beer style]] is largely derived from this book, in which Jackson categorised a variety of beers from around the world in local style groups suggested by local customs and names.<ref>{{cite book|last=Papazian|first=Charles|title=The Complete Joy of Homebrewing|year=2003|publisher=HarperResource|isbn=0060531053|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-Zhy2V2XjAwC&lpg=PT128&dq=%22michael%20jackson%22%20%22beer%20style%22&pg=PT128#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>
Michael Jackson became known in beer circles in 1977 when his book ''The World Guide To Beer'' was first published. This was later translated into more than ten languages and is still considered to be one of the most fundamental books on the subject.<ref>[http://www.breweryhistory.com/journal/archive/139/Evans.pdf Article] by [[Jeff Evans]] in ''Brewery History''</ref> The modern theory of [[beer style]] is largely derived from this book, in which Jackson categorised a variety of beers from around the world in local style groups suggested by local customs and names.<ref>{{cite book|last=Papazian|first=Charles|title=The Complete Joy of Homebrewing|year=2003|publisher=HarperResource|isbn=0060531053|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-Zhy2V2XjAwC&q=%22michael%20jackson%22%20%22beer%20style%22&pg=PT128}}</ref>


His work had a special influence on the popularisation of the brewing culture in North America, and in 1989 he hosted a television series entitled ''The Beer Hunter,'' which was shown on [[Channel 4]] in the UK and the [[Discovery Channel]]. It involved several episodes in which Jackson would visit a different country. Episodes featured beer barrels being lined with pitch or iron foundry workers drinking 'light' beer while they worked in hot conditions to quench thirst, practices which he knew were likely to be ended soon.
His work had a special influence on the popularisation of the brewing culture in North America, and in 1989 he hosted a television series entitled ''The Beer Hunter,'' which was shown on [[Channel 4]] in the UK and the [[Discovery Channel]]. It involved several episodes in which Jackson would visit a different country. Episodes featured beer barrels being lined with pitch or iron foundry workers drinking 'light' beer while they worked in hot conditions to quench thirst, practices which he knew were likely to be ended soon.


⚫
[[Image:michaeljacksonbierglazen.jpg|right|thumb|Michael Jackson's [[beer glassware]] (from left to right): summer glass, [[tasting glass]], [[snifter]], [[Drinking culture#Session drinking|session glass]]<ref name="WorthPoint" />]]
Jackson considered beer as a component of culture and described beers in their cultural context. Although he travelled around the world and discovered different beer cultures, he was especially fond of the [[Beer in Belgium|Belgian beers]]. He was appointed to an honorary officer of the ''[[Ridderschap]] van de Roerstok'' in 1997 for his important contribution to the international success of the Belgian beers. This honour had previously only been given to [[brewing|brewers]]. In 1998, Jackson brought forth his own line of beer glassware. Shortly after, Jackson also helped create and worked with the only beer club he ever endorsed, Michael Jackson's [[Rare Beer Club]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.beermonthclub.com/the-rare-beer-club|title=Rare Beer Club - Michael Jackson Craft Beers {{!}} Beer of the Month Club|work=The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club|access-date=2018-10-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
Jackson considered beer as a component of culture and described beers in their cultural context. Although he travelled around the world and discovered different beer cultures, he was especially fond of the [[Beer in Belgium|Belgian beers]]. He was appointed to an honorary officer of the ''[[Ridderschap]] van de Roerstok'' in 1997 for his important contribution to the international success of the Belgian beers. This honour had previously only been given to [[brewing|brewers]]. In 1998, Jackson designed and sold 4 beer glasses called "Michael Jackson's Great Beer Glassware Set", each glass for a different type of beer, produced by Rizenhoff Crystal.<ref name="WorthPoint">{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson's Great Beer Glassware Set |work=WorthPoint |date= |access-date=2024-08-01 |url=https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/michael-jacksons-great-beer-glassware-1792030974 }}</ref> Shortly after, Jackson also helped create and worked with the only beer club he ever endorsed, Michael Jackson's [[Rare Beer Club]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.beermonthclub.com/the-rare-beer-club|title=Rare Beer Club - Michael Jackson Craft Beers {{!}} Beer of the Month Club|work=The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club|access-date=2018-10-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
[[Image:michaeljacksonbierglazen.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Michael Jackson's [[beer glassware]] (from left to right): summer glass, [[tasting glass]], [[snifter]], [[Drinking culture#Session drinking|session glass]] ]]
⚫
Jackson was also an important reviewer of whiskies. In his book ''The Malt Whisky Companion'', he reviewed a large number of whiskies and gave them marks from 0–100, considering only those with a score above seventy-five worth purchasing.
In many ways, his work in the world of whisky exceeded his significance as a beer writer. He was arguably the most important writer on whisky since the [[Victorian era|Victorian]] commentator [[Alfred Barnard]] and certainly the most significant and influential modern whisky writer.
This was recognised by the award of "Master of the Quaich" and the prodigious sale of his whisky books and sell-out attendances at his tastings. He had a large influence on the development of single malt whisky globally.{{citation needed|date=March 2012}}


⚫
Jackson was a reviewer of whiskies, in his book ''The Malt Whisky Companion'', he reviewed a large number of whiskies and gave them marks from 0–100, considering only those with a score above seventy-five worth purchasing. He received the award of "Master of the Quaich".{{citation needed|date=March 2012}}
⚫
Apart from his work as a journalist and a critic, he was also a fan of [[Rugby league]].<ref>[https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/obituaries/michael-jackson-1-2468345 Obituary], ''Yorkshire Post''</ref>


⚫
Apart from his work as a journalist and a critic, he was also a fan of [[rugby league]].<ref>[https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/obituaries/michael-jackson-1-2468345 Obituary], ''Yorkshire Post''</ref>
⚫
It was revealed in December 2006 that Jackson had been suffering for at least a decade from [[Parkinson's disease]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.brookston.org/beer/michael-jackson-reveals-his-battle-with-parkinsons/ |title=Brookston Beer Bulletin » Blog Archive » Michael Jackson Reveals His Battle with Parkinson’s<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=4 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103210316/http://www.brookston.org/beer/michael-jackson-reveals-his-battle-with-parkinsons |archive-date=3 January 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He also suffered from [[diabetes]]. Michael Jackson died of a heart attack in his home on the morning of 30 August 2007 at the age of 65.<ref>[http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52716.asp Michael Jackson Passes Away – World Beer & Whisky Authority] – Michael Jackson – 27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007 – By Carolyn Smagalski / BellaOnline's Beer and Brewing Editor</ref> He was survived by his girlfriend of 26 years, Paddy Gunningham, and her daughter and grandchildren.<ref>https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1561853/Michael-Jackson.html</ref>

⚫
It was revealed in December 2006 that Jackson had been suffering for at least a decade from [[Parkinson's disease]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.brookston.org/beer/michael-jackson-reveals-his-battle-with-parkinsons/ |title=Brookston Beer Bulletin » Blog Archive » Michael Jackson Reveals His Battle with Parkinson’s<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=4 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103210316/http://www.brookston.org/beer/michael-jackson-reveals-his-battle-with-parkinsons |archive-date=3 January 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He also suffered from [[diabetes]]. Michael Jackson died of a heart attack in his home on the morning of 30 August 2007 at the age of 65.<ref>[http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52716.asp Michael Jackson Passes Away – World Beer & Whisky Authority] – Michael Jackson – 27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007 – By Carolyn Smagalski / BellaOnline's Beer and Brewing Editor</ref> He was survived by his girlfriend of 26 years, Paddy Gunningham, and her daughter and grandchildren.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1561853/Michael-Jackson.html|title=Michael Jackson|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517142022/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1561853/Michael-Jackson.html|date=1 September 2007|archive-date=May 17, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
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*The ''Gold Tankard of the British Guild of Beer Writers'', given for his CD-Roms
*The ''Gold Tankard of the British Guild of Beer Writers'', given for his CD-Roms
*''Columnist of the Year'' from the North American Guild of Beer Writers
*''Columnist of the Year'' from the North American Guild of Beer Writers
*Winner ''[[James Beard Foundation Award|James Beard Award]]'', 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jamesbeard.org/awards/awards.php?year=2006 |title=The James Beard Foundation Awards |publisher=web.archive.org |accessdate=26 September 2009 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071021054855/http://jamesbeard.org/awards/awards.php?year=2006 |archivedate = 21 October 2007}}</ref>
*Winner ''[[James Beard Foundation Award|James Beard Award]]'', 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jamesbeard.org/awards/awards.php?year=2006 |title=The James Beard Foundation Awards |access-date=26 September 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071021054855/http://jamesbeard.org/awards/awards.php?year=2006 |archive-date = 21 October 2007}}</ref>
* Keeper of the Quaich; Master of the Quaich (Scotch Whisky industry award)
* Keeper of the Quaich; Master of the Quaich (Scotch Whisky industry award)
* Holder of the Haarikka ("haarikanhaltija" in Finnish) 1995 (Finnish [[Sahti]] Association award)
* Holder of the Haarikka ("haarikanhaltija" in Finnish) 1995 (Finnish [[Sahti]] Association award)
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* Jackson, Michael (1976). ''The English Pub''
* Jackson, Michael (1976). ''The English Pub''
* Jackson, Michael (1977). ''The World Guide to Beer''
* Jackson, Michael (1977). ''The World Guide to Beer''
* Jackson, Michael (1979). ''Exploring England. The Nationwide Touring Guide''
* Jackson, Michael (1986). ''Pocket Guide to Beer'' {{ISBN|0-671-72915-2}}
* Jackson, Michael (1986). ''Pocket Guide to Beer'' {{ISBN|0-671-72915-2}}
* Jackson, Michael (1987). ''The World Guide to Whisky''
* Jackson, Michael (1987). ''The World Guide to Whisky''
* Jackson, Michael (1988). ''New World Guide to Beer'' (Updated)
* Jackson, Michael (1988). ''New World Guide to Beer'' (updated)
* Jackson, Michael (1991). ''Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium'' {{ISBN|0-7624-0403-5}}
* Jackson, Michael (1991). ''Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium'' {{ISBN|0-7624-0403-5}}
* Jackson, Michael (1997). ''Michael Jackson's Beer Companion'' {{ISBN|0-7624-0772-7}}
* Jackson, Michael (1997). ''Michael Jackson's Beer Companion'' {{ISBN|0-7624-0772-7}}
* Jackson, Michael (1998) ''Ultimate Beer''
* Jackson, Michael (1998). ''Ultimate Beer''
* Jackson, Michael (1998) ''Little Book on Beer''
* Jackson, Michael (1998). ''Little Book on Beer''
* Jackson, Michael; Lucas, Sharon (ed.) (1999). ''Michael Jackson's complete guide to Single Malt Scotch'' (fourth ed.). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Running Press Book Publishers. {{ISBN|0-7624-0731-X}}
* Jackson, Michael; Lucas, Sharon (ed.) (1999). ''Michael Jackson's complete guide to Single Malt Scotch'' (fourth ed.). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Running Press Book Publishers {{ISBN|0-7624-0731-X}}
* Jackson, Michael; Lucas, Sharon (ed.) (2000). ''Michael Jackson's Great Beer Guide''. DK ADULT. {{ISBN|0-7894-5156-5}}
* Jackson, Michael; Lucas, Sharon (ed.) (2000). ''Michael Jackson's Great Beer Guide''. DK ADULT {{ISBN|0-7894-5156-5}}
* Jackson, Michael (2001). ''Scotland and its Whiskies''
* Jackson, Michael (2001). ''Scotland and its Whiskies''
* Jackson, Michael (2004). ''The Malt Whisky Companion'', Penguin Books 2004 {{ISBN|978-1-4053-0234-0}}
* Jackson, Michael (2004). ''The Malt Whisky Companion'', Penguin Books 2004 {{ISBN|978-1-4053-0234-0}}
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==External links==
==External links==
*[https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/special-collections/food-and-drink/the-michael-jackson-collection/ Michael Jackson Special Collection] This is held in the Oxford Brookes University Library and includes 1,500 books from the expert's personal library on beer, whisky and other drinks, as well as 300 copies of his own books.
*[https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/collections/special-collections/food-and-drink/michael-jackson-collection Michael Jackson Special Collection] This is held in the Oxford Brookes University Library and includes 1,500 books from the expert's personal library on beer, whisky and other drinks, as well as 300 copies of his own books.
* [http://www.beerhunter.com/about.html Michael Jackson's Beer Hunter]
* [http://www.beerhunter.com/about.html Michael Jackson's Beer Hunter]
*[https://www.theguardian.com/obituaries/story/0,,2161783,00.html Obituary, "The Guardian", 4 September 2007] (written by [[Roger Protz]])
*[https://www.theguardian.com/obituaries/story/0,,2161783,00.html Obituary, "The Guardian", 4 September 2007] (written by [[Roger Protz]])
*[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083102089.html Obituary, ''Washington Post'', 1 September 2007]
*[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083102089.html Obituary, ''Washington Post'', 1 September 2007]
*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/01/db0102.xml Obituary, ''The Daily Telegraph'', 1 September 2007]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070911071455/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/01/db0102.xml Obituary, ''The Daily Telegraph'', 1 September 2007]
*[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/michael-jackson-401254.html Obituary, ''The Independent'', 3 September 2007]
*[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/michael-jackson-401254.html Obituary, ''The Independent'', 3 September 2007]
*[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article2387743.ece Obituary, ''The Times'', 5 September 2007]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110810002309/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article2387743.ece Obituary, ''The Times'', 5 September 2007]
*[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article2584276.ece 'Lives Remembered' The Times]
*[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article2584276.ece 'Lives Remembered' The Times]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
*[http://www.beertown.org/michaeljackson/ Remembering Michael Jackson, The Brewers Association]{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*[http://www.beertown.org/michaeljackson/ Remembering Michael Jackson, The Brewers Association]{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090628172426/http://www.allaboutbeer2.com/michaeljackson/index.html Michael Jackson's Life and Death, ''All about Beer'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090628172426/http://www.allaboutbeer2.com/michaeljackson/index.html Michael Jackson's Life and Death, ''All about Beer'']
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*https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wandermedia/beer-hunter-the-movie/description
*https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wandermedia/beer-hunter-the-movie/description


{{Wetherby}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:English food writers]]
[[Category:English food writers]]
[[Category:English male journalists]]
[[Category:English male journalists]]
[[Category: English people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:English people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:People educated at King James's School, Almondbury]]
[[Category:People educated at King James's School, Almondbury]]
[[Category:People from Wetherby]]
[[Category:People from Wetherby]]

Latest revision as of 09:11, 11 November 2024

For other people named Michael Jackson, see Michael Jackson (disambiguation).

Michael Jackson
Jackson at the 2004 Helsinki Beer Festival
Born(1942-03-27)27 March 1942
Wetherby, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died30 August 2007(2007-08-30) (aged 65)
London, England
Known forBeer and whisky reviewing and journalism
PartnerPaddy Gunningham (1981—2007)[1][2]
WebsiteMichael Jackson's Beer Hunter
Rare Beer Club founderMichael Jackson Collection - Archive at Oxford Brookes University The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling - Funding technical education and career advancement for black, indigenous, and people of colour in the brewing and distilling industries

Michael James Jackson (27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007) was an English writer and journalist. He was the author of many influential books about beer and whisky. He was a regular contributor to a number of broadsheets, particularly The Independent and The Observer.[3]

Jackson's books have sold over three million copies worldwide and have been translated into eighteen languages.[4] He is credited with helping to start a renaissance of interest in beer and breweries worldwide in the 1970s, particularly in the United States.[5] He is also widely credited with popularising the idea of beer styles.[6] His influential television series The Beer Hunter was shown in fifteen countries.[7]

He was as well-versed in malt whisky as he was in beer, and his book Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion (1989) was the best-selling book on the subject in the world.[4]

At the time of his death, Jackson had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for at least a decade. He did not declare his illness until his symptoms caused some to think he was inebriated.[3]

Life

[edit]

Jackson was born in Wetherby, West Riding of Yorkshire.[8] His father had Anglicised his Lithuanian Jewish surname Jakowitz to Jackson. The family moved to Leeds after the war.[8] He went to King James's Grammar School, Almondbury and became a journalist, particularly being associated with Edinburgh, where he first encountered whisky. On his return to London he briefly edited the advertising trade journal Campaign.

Michael Jackson became known in beer circles in 1977 when his book The World Guide To Beer was first published. This was later translated into more than ten languages and is still considered to be one of the most fundamental books on the subject.[9] The modern theory of beer style is largely derived from this book, in which Jackson categorised a variety of beers from around the world in local style groups suggested by local customs and names.[10]

His work had a special influence on the popularisation of the brewing culture in North America, and in 1989 he hosted a television series entitled The Beer Hunter, which was shown on Channel 4 in the UK and the Discovery Channel. It involved several episodes in which Jackson would visit a different country. Episodes featured beer barrels being lined with pitch or iron foundry workers drinking 'light' beer while they worked in hot conditions to quench thirst, practices which he knew were likely to be ended soon.

Michael Jackson's beer glassware (from left to right): summer glass, tasting glass, snifter, session glass[11]

Jackson considered beer as a component of culture and described beers in their cultural context. Although he travelled around the world and discovered different beer cultures, he was especially fond of the Belgian beers. He was appointed to an honorary officer of the Ridderschap van de Roerstok in 1997 for his important contribution to the international success of the Belgian beers. This honour had previously only been given to brewers. In 1998, Jackson designed and sold 4 beer glasses called "Michael Jackson's Great Beer Glassware Set", each glass for a different type of beer, produced by Rizenhoff Crystal.[11] Shortly after, Jackson also helped create and worked with the only beer club he ever endorsed, Michael Jackson's Rare Beer Club.[12]

Jackson was a reviewer of whiskies, in his book The Malt Whisky Companion, he reviewed a large number of whiskies and gave them marks from 0–100, considering only those with a score above seventy-five worth purchasing. He received the award of "Master of the Quaich".[citation needed]

Apart from his work as a journalist and a critic, he was also a fan of rugby league.[13]

It was revealed in December 2006 that Jackson had been suffering for at least a decade from Parkinson's disease.[14] He also suffered from diabetes. Michael Jackson died of a heart attack in his home on the morning of 30 August 2007 at the age of 65.[15] He was survived by his girlfriend of 26 years, Paddy Gunningham, and her daughter and grandchildren.[16]

Awards

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  • André Simon Award
  • Winner of the Glenfiddich Trophy, a British prize for culinary writers.
  • Honorary officer of the Ridderschap van de Roerstok, a Belgian award.
  • The Gold Tankard of the British Guild of Beer Writers, given for his CD-Roms
  • Columnist of the Year from the North American Guild of Beer Writers
  • Winner James Beard Award, 2006[17]
  • Keeper of the Quaich; Master of the Quaich (Scotch Whisky industry award)
  • Holder of the Haarikka ("haarikanhaltija" in Finnish) 1995 (Finnish Sahti Association award)
  • First recipient of the US Achievement Award of the Institute for Fermentation Studies.
  • Honorary Master beer judge; Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP)

Selective bibliography

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  • Jackson, Michael (1976). The English Pub
  • Jackson, Michael (1977). The World Guide to Beer
  • Jackson, Michael (1979). Exploring England. The Nationwide Touring Guide
  • Jackson, Michael (1986). Pocket Guide to Beer ISBN 0-671-72915-2
  • Jackson, Michael (1987). The World Guide to Whisky
  • Jackson, Michael (1988). New World Guide to Beer (updated)
  • Jackson, Michael (1991). Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium ISBN 0-7624-0403-5
  • Jackson, Michael (1997). Michael Jackson's Beer Companion ISBN 0-7624-0772-7
  • Jackson, Michael (1998). Ultimate Beer
  • Jackson, Michael (1998). Little Book on Beer
  • Jackson, Michael; Lucas, Sharon (ed.) (1999). Michael Jackson's complete guide to Single Malt Scotch (fourth ed.). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Running Press Book Publishers ISBN 0-7624-0731-X
  • Jackson, Michael; Lucas, Sharon (ed.) (2000). Michael Jackson's Great Beer Guide. DK ADULT ISBN 0-7894-5156-5
  • Jackson, Michael (2001). Scotland and its Whiskies
  • Jackson, Michael (2004). The Malt Whisky Companion, Penguin Books 2004 ISBN 978-1-4053-0234-0
  • Jackson, Michael (2005). Bar and Cocktail Party Book
  • Jackson, Michael (2005). Whisky ISBN 978-0-7513-4434-9

Multimedia

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  • The Beer Hunter (1989), a set of two VHS videocassettes
  • A Journey of Discovery – Tasting the Classic Malts with Michael Jackson (1992), a VHS videocassette
  • The Beer Hunter (1995), a CD-ROM about the American beer culture
  • World Beer Hunter (1996), a CD-ROM on beer cultures around the world
  • Beer Hunter The Movie (2013), a documentary film on Michael's life

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Michael Jackson, 65, Beer Critic and author, Is Dead". The New York Times. 3 September 2007.
  2. ^ "Michael Jackson, in memory of the Beer Hunter". Beer-pages.com. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  3. ^ a b The Daily Telegraph (London), 1 September 2007, Obituary of Michael Jackson Writer who tirelessly examined and championed beer and later became an equal authority on malt whisky, p29
  4. ^ a b "Michael Jackson: best-selling beer writer". The Independent. London. 3 September 2007.
  5. ^ "Michael Jackson, 65, Beer Critic and author, Is Dead". The New York Times. 3 September 2007.
  6. ^ "Michael Jackson and the invention of beer style". Zythophile.wordpress.com. 23 October 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  7. ^ Bowering, Ian (1995). Brewing in Formosa: 125 Years of Tradition, 1870–1995. Burnstown, Ontario, Canada: General Store Publishing House. p. v. ISBN 1896182224.
  8. ^ a b Protz, Roger (4 September 2007). "Obituary: Michael Jackson". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  9. ^ Article by Jeff Evans in Brewery History
  10. ^ Papazian, Charles (2003). The Complete Joy of Homebrewing. HarperResource. ISBN 0060531053.
  11. ^ a b "Michael Jackson's Great Beer Glassware Set". WorthPoint. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  12. ^ "Rare Beer Club - Michael Jackson Craft Beers | Beer of the Month Club". The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  13. ^ Obituary, Yorkshire Post
  14. ^ "Brookston Beer Bulletin » Blog Archive » Michael Jackson Reveals His Battle with Parkinson's". Archived from the original on 3 January 2007. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  15. ^ Michael Jackson Passes Away – World Beer & Whisky Authority – Michael Jackson – 27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007 – By Carolyn Smagalski / BellaOnline's Beer and Brewing Editor
  16. ^ "Michael Jackson". The Daily Telegraph. 1 September 2007. Archived from the original on 17 May 2008.
  17. ^ "The James Beard Foundation Awards". Archived from the original on 21 October 2007. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
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