Raising A Glass

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A celebrated drinks writer is remembered

A new book about beer and whisky has been published in memory of a Hammersmith writer who died of Parkinson's Disease two years ago.

Leading international writers have joined together in a unique project to celebrate the enduring legacy of celebrated drinks writer Michael Jackson, 65, who died in August 2007 having suffered from Parkinson’s disease for over a decade.

They have each donated a piece of new writing to Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser which was launched last week at The Distillers on Fulham Palace Road to raise much-needed funds for the Parkinson’s Disease Society.

The collaborators represent a roll of honour from drinks writing and the book includes contributions from Stephen Beaumont, Dave Broom, Ian Buxton, John Hansell, Julie Johnson, Charles MacLean, Hans Offringa, F Paul Pacult, Roger Protz, Lucy Saunders, Conrad Seidl, Carolyn Smagalski and Gavin D Smith.

Editor Ian Buxton, who conceived the project, said: “Michael Jackson dominated the world of both beer and whisky writing for two decades and was hugely influential in both ‘real ale’ and single malt whisky. A complete generation of writers has cause to be grateful to him, not to mention countless brewers and distillers. This new book honours that legacy.”

“If variety is what you celebrate in your choice of whisky or beer, then this is truly a joyous and eclectic celebration of a life well-lived. We have sought to honour Michael with words, fresh and new writing on beer and whisky that he would have enjoyed reading; that he would have respected; that he might even have wished to have written himself,” he added.

Michael Jackson was born in 1942 in Wetherby, Yorkshire where his father Isaac Jakowitz anglicised his Lithuanian Jewish surname to Jackson. He became a journalist, most notably in Edinburgh where he first encountered whisky. On coming to London he briefly edited the advertising trade journal "Campaign".

Michael Jackson became famous in beer circles in 1977 when his book The World Guide to Beer was published. This was later translated into more than ten languages and is still considered to be one of the most authoritative books on the subject. His work had a special influence on the popularisation of the brewing culture in North America, and he would later host a popular TV show entitled The Beer Hunter, which was shown on Channel 4 and the Discovery Channel. During his 30 year career as a critic, he wrote columns for a large number of newspapers and magazines.

Parkinson's Awareness Week runs from 20 - 26 April 2009

April 6, 2009