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Who was the true beer ambassador? Look at the figure of Michael Jackson
Long before millennials commented on fermentations on social networks, there was a man whose love for beer and whiskey transcended words. Michael Jackson, not the singer, but the British journalist and author, was the catalyst of a beer revolution that still resonates in every corner where good alcoholic power is enjoyed.
From ink to the cup: the impact of his work and his cultural adventures
With an almost mystical touch, Jackson was not only limited to writing books; He was the architect of the Renaissance of the appreciation for styles and beer traditions. His masterpiece, ‘The World Guide To Beer’, launched in 1977, was much more than a catalog: a window to the soul of a drink that unites cultures, stories and geographies. With more than 3 million copies sold and in eighteen languages, this volume became the final manual that defined how modern styles are classified today.
The beer activist in the 70s: an inevitable revolution
The 70s witnessed a awakening in artisanal breweries, largely driven by the enthusiasm and knowledge that Jackson spread. His passion not only lit the spark in the United States, but lit a global movement towards diversity in flavors, techniques and traditions. In addition, he expanded his influence towards the world of whiskey with works such as ‘Michael Jackson’s Malt whiskey Companion’, which made a essential reading for malt lovers throughout the planet.
Television as the scene of a passionate traveler of flavors
In 1990, his character as a cultural explorer was consolidated with the television program ‘The Beer Hunter’. With a close and fun style, he walked through different countries, from Belgium to Japan, revealing secrets of his elaboration process and the stories that define each liter of beer. An introduction to the culture of the drink that begins with a confession: ‘My name is Michael Jackson, and I do not sing or take Pepsi, but I live and breathe beer’.
Belgium and his love for the beer lifestyle
His affinity for Belgium was such that in 1997 he was honest as ‘Honor Officer’ for Ridderschap Van de Rootak, recognizing his role in popularizing his beer tradition. For Jackson, each beer was a piece of history and culture, an element that went beyond the simple tasting, transforming it into an act of artistic and social appreciation.
A farewell that left an indelible legacy
Visits to the heart of London in 2007 marked the end of his life, but his legacy remains in force. He died at age 65, victim of a heart attack and after years facing Parkinson’s disease. His archives, a true knowledge mine, were donated to the Library of the University of Oxford, ensuring that future generations can learn and explore from their own flavors and styles.
In your last interview: thoughts and farewells
Shortly before leaving, Jackson shared in an emotional talk his dreams, his history and his clashes with the disease. The journalist Daniel Shelton interviewed him at his home, revealing a passionate and full of life, who in just three weeks left a mark on those who knew his work and enthusiasm for fermented drinks.
An infinite catalog of knowledge and passions
The list of works by Michael Jackson is a treatise on Cervecera and Maltose Culture, Culture and Science. From pioneer publications in the 70s to exhaustive guides on the regions with more tradition in whiskey and beer, its legacy is a map that invites infinite discoveries. Among his most prominent titles are ‘The English pub’, ‘Great Beers of Belgium’ and ‘The Tyskie Beer Comndium’, all of them reflecting a passion that was much more than literature: it was a cultural movement.
The end of its history does not mean the end of its influence. Through his writings, his programs and the passion he woke up in millions, Michael Jackson continues to be that emblematic figure that turned beer and whiskey into cultural, personal and, above all, human expressions.
