This post is also available in:
Español
Michael Jackson was an English journalist and writer whom Garrett Oliver once called: “The most influential person in the development of the brewing industry since Louis Pasteur.”
While his influence is widely recognized and undisputed today — primarily because he established the concept of what we now understand as beer types, styles or families — his writings are diverse and cover not only beer, but also whisky, cocktails and pubs.
Here is a selection of his best and most influential books on the subject:
The World Guide to Beer (1977)
In early 1977, Michael Jackson was a mildly successful 34-year-old journalist whose greatest achievement as a writer to that point had been editing the in-flight magazine of KLM airline and, later, standing in for another writer to present a photography book called “The English Pub.”
It was that very year that his life would change when he published his immortal book The World Guide to Beer, which established him as a pioneer in beer writing. Though not a major bestseller, the book managed to reach the right hands at the right moment in history.
Pocket Guide to Beer (1986)
Originally published in 1986 and updated through a seventh edition in 2000, this book lists and rates beers, breweries and places to drink in some of the world’s major cities.
A concise volume that already reflected Michael Jackson’s accessible style, it is also an invaluable record of what the beer world looked like more than 20 years ago.
The World Guide to Whisky (1987)
Illustrated with more than 200 color photographs, this comprehensive guide analyzes in detail the distillation methods, geographical characteristics and social traditions that affect the flavor of whisky across all the world’s major regions.
With the palate of a connoisseur and the eye of a travel writer, Michael Jackson combines an objective and insightful approach with an infectious enthusiasm.
Great Beers of Belgium (1991)
Michael Jackson’s extraordinary passion for Belgian beer shines through every aspect of this remarkable work, from the personal stories of the people behind the beers to the careful descriptions of their characteristics.
Revised and updated shortly before his death in August 2007, this work represents the pinnacle of Jackson’s meticulous research and masterful writing, presented in a beautifully illustrated setting.
Bar and Cocktail Party Book (1995)
Michael Jackson’s capacity and interest in the world of drinks also led him to publish this book with a selection of 250 cocktail recipes from A to Z, presented as a guide to drinking and traveling.
The book highlights the best preparations from each country and includes tips on how to prevent and cure a hangover.
Beer Companion (1996)
One of his most ambitious works, this book is a record of classic and innovative styles, as well as a pairing guide for each of them, including 10 maps with more than 100 registered labels.
Today, this book is an invaluable record of the origins of these beers and how they developed their own unique sense of style.
Ultimate Beer (1998)
The evolution of his work was becoming evident both in the volume of records and in the incorporation — for the first time — of tips on cooking with beer. A book for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, its first print run alone sold an impressive 25,000 copies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why was Michael Jackson known as “The Beer Hunter”?
The nickname comes from his famous 1989 television series produced by Britain’s Channel 4 and Discovery Channel, titled “The Beer Hunter.” In it, Jackson traveled the world discovering local beer cultures, helping to popularize the concept of “craft beer” long before the current boom.
2. What was Michael Jackson’s greatest contribution to the beer style system?
Before Jackson, beer was classified in vague terms. His book The World Guide to Beer (1977) was the first to categorize beers by styles based on their geographic origin and tradition — a framework now used by global organizations such as the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) and the Brewers Association.
3. What illness did Michael Jackson have and how did it affect his career?
Michael Jackson suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which he publicly disclosed in 2006. Although many initially mistook his symptoms (difficulty speaking or unsteadiness) for intoxication, he continued writing and tasting with full clarity until his death in 2007, becoming a symbol of resilience in gastronomic journalism.
4. Is Michael Jackson responsible for the worldwide success of Belgian beer?
To a large extent, yes. Before his book Great Beers of Belgium, abbey beers and lambics were little known outside Belgium. Jackson elevated them to the status of “malt wines,” giving them the cultural prestige needed to be exported and appreciated by experts worldwide.
5. What is the importance of his work in the world of whisky?
Although he is best remembered for beer, Jackson was the foremost authority on malt whisky. He created a 0-to-100 scoring system for evaluating whiskies in his book Malt Whisky Companion — a standard that remains a critical reference for distilleries and collectors in Scotland.
Recommended
- The best tools and utensils for making cocktails
- How to make homemade beer ice cream: recipe, ingredients and step by step
