Last Call

Raise a glass tonight to the memory of the one and only Beer Hunter, the late, great Michael Jackson. Through his informative and exuberant writing Jackson inspired thousands of drinkers and brewers. Through his books he was my teacher and guide when I was but a young and enthusiastic drunkard. I learned more about beer and whiskies from him than from any other writer. The next time you have an oatmeal stout, send up a prayer of thanks. It was Jackson's advocacy for the style that encouraged Samuel Smith to bring it back. He did more to influence what was in our glasses and what we knew about it than any other writer. He'll be remembered for his books, his television series The Beer Hunter, and for making the world a much nicer and richer place in which to live.