MIchael Jackson 1942-2007

Michael Jackson has been a profound influence on me, where beer flavor is more important than beer style. Beer is not simply defined by OG, TG, IBU, SRM and ABV. Mr. Jackson presented a point of view where the broader flavor profile is the least of it. The simple technical characteristics of a beer fit within style description. The subjective qualities of beer; aroma, appearance, texture, food accompaniment, and the simple satisfaction of a soft pint have a deeper significance. Similar to the way wine is tasted and described, Mr. Jackson brought a lexicon and a sense of literature to the way beer flavor is described. Beer style is a function of beer flavor and the technical, geographic, cultural, and commercial influences on that beer flavor. Mr. Jackson was a sound authority on those influences and their importance. Every beer tells a story and Michael Jackson was a great story teller.