A last toast to Mr. Jackson

Bad news in the world of good beer today. Michael Jackson, world-renowned author on beer, has died. The news comes from The Morning Advertiser in Britain, Jackson's home country. There are no details in the story. Looks like the news is pretty fresh.

Jackson's "Great Beer Guide" is on my desk here at the office and at home, and is a frequent reference. He helped to educate the world for 30 years (his "World Guide to Beer") on the nature of quality beer, and I imagine his efforts are at least partly responsible for the rise in American craft brewing.

His Web site, BeerHunter.com, has links to purchase most of his published works, plus reviews of beers and breweries.

Thanks for all you've done for beer, Mr. Jackson. Cheers.