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Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser
Fans of Michael Jackson, the world’s foremost expert on beer and whisky before his untimely death in August 2007, gathered at Delilah’s, 2771 N. Lincoln Ave., to celebrate the launch of Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser, a book of original essays by 13 of his colleagues. The international book launch took place in Chicago, London, Austria and the Netherlands on Friday, March 27, which would have been the writer’s 67th birthday.
Delilah’s, which Jackson himself dubbed one of the “most important bars in America,” offered a ceremonial toast at 7 p.m. and a meet and greet with two of the book’s three female contributors: Julie Johnson, editor of All About Beer Magazine; and, Lucy Saunders, author of The Best of American Beer and Food, editor of beercook.com, and a member at-large of the Glunz Beer Culinary Council of Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., a Lincolnwood, Ill.-based beer distributor.
Jackson helped introduce Belgian beers to the U.S. and also gave rise to the North American craft brewery movement, by identifying beers by their flavors and styles and by educating fellow beer-lovers about pairing beer and food. He authored a series of books that were published in 18 languages, including The World Guide to Beer, The Great Beers of Belgium, and the Malt Whisky Companion, and hosted a TV series, “The Beer Hunter,” which popularized his nickname, and was shown in 15 countries. Among his many honors were a 2006 James Beard award, and the “Master of the Quaich.”
“We’re honored to support this unique tribute to Michael Jackson, who was passionate in his pursuit of exceptional beer and a champion of beer education,” said Jennifer Faulk, director of marketing for Glunz Beer and Culinary Council attaché. “As the premier beer distributor that brings the world of imports, specialties and micros to the kitchens of Chicagoland’s top chefs, we hope to continue Jackson’s legacy by promoting the growth of the beer and food pairing trend through expos, tasting classes, and training.”
Editor Ian Buxton, who conceived the Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser 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. We have sought to honor Michael with words, fresh and new writing on beer and whisky that he would have enjoyed reading, that he would have respected, and that he might even have wished to written himself.”
In addition to Johnson and Saunders, the other leading international writers on beer and whisky who donated a new piece of writing to Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser, are: Stephen Beaumont, Dave Broom, Ian Buxton, John Hansell, Charles MacLean, Hans Offringa, F. Paul Pacult, Roger Protz, Conrad Seidl, Carolyn Smagalski, and Gavin D. Smith.
Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser is available for purchase in the USA through www.beerables.net, “The Accessory Store for the Beer Enthusiast,” while supplies last. All proceeds from the publication, which was supported by leading single malt whisky The Glenlivet, will be donated to international Parkinson’s Disease research. Jackson suffered from the disease for over a decade leading up to his death.
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