Michael Jackson

[Rob Allanson]

The Whisky world has been shocked and saddened by the news that whisky icon and guru Michael Jackson has died.
The Whisky Magazine columnist and long time supporter of the industry passed away at his home in London on the morning of August 30th.
I am sure you will join us in sending sympathies to his family and mark the passing of this great man in your own way.

Rob Allanson
Editor

[BruceCrichton]

Sorry to hear that Mr Jackson has died.

I was a big fan and had bought a number of his books and got his autograph.

[Ian Buxton]

We were all saddened, though not surprised, by Michael's passing. He had been ill for many years. Having known him since 1985 (ouch!) I was greatly struck by the way in which he bore his increasing infirmity with fortitude and great good humour.

Everyone in the world of whisky and, let's not forget, beer owe him a debt of gratitude. He will be sorely missed.

I am trying to contact the family to discuss the possibiltiy of a Memorial Service and a Festschrift is also under discussion.

Michael's contribution to drinks writing will live on and inspire us all.

Ian Buxton

[GreyArea]

A very sad day indeed.

[papercrack]

RIP MJ a true Gent who knew how to enjoy the better things in life

[Elagabalus]

His passing presents a terrible blow to the whiksy community. He will be missed.

RIP Michael Jackson, and thank you, for all that you were and for all that you gave us. Though your time with us was short, our memories of you will last, and you are cemented in the annals of time for all who appreciate not only beer & whisky but life's intangibles.

[BruceCrichton]

The Scotsman on Mr Jackson:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituar ... 1403732007

[Oliver]

The Scotsman on Mr Jackson:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituar ... 1403732007

Thanks for the link Bruce.

Interesting point about the Japanese malts. I certainly drink them more often than I used to....


Any other links out there?

[bkblankenship]

I was deeply saddened to hear of Michael Jackson's passing. Although I didn't know him personally, I did have the pleasure of meeting him on one occasion. Through Michael's prolific and colorful writing style he raised me on malt whiskies by laying a proper foundation to further educate myself. Michael, your sixth edition will be your memory. I raise my glass to you. Ken Blankenship, Richmond, Virginia USA

[hpulley]

The Scotsman on Mr Jackson:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituar ... 1403732007

Thanks for the link Bruce.

Interesting point about the Japanese malts. I certainly drink them more often than I used to....

That was my thought after the night. I'd raised a glass of Lagavulin 16yo to him, thinking of the first times I'd read the Companion but later I thought that a Japanese whisky would also have been appropriate. I should have had a Yoichi as well that night but I'm sure he won't mind if I raise a glass to him now and again. Once more we really must appreciate what the whisky writers and publishers have done for without them I doubt I'd have been able to buy Yoichi at the LCBO. With luck we'll have some Yamasaki here this Christmas but I will be surprised if Michael's prognostication of Japanese whisky influence by 2020 comes true.

Harry

[bond]

I heard about it on Fri night at a whisky dinner and was shocked, to say the least. The whisky fraternity is indeed significantly poorer.

Japanese whisky aside, I would reckon Belgian beer owes a lot to Michael too.


Bond

[Rob Allanson]

His last time on Islay I am pleased to reminisce
Of our trip to Martine's to see her gorgeous 'House of Bliss'
This was a first for Michael he was pleased!
But on rushing that morning something I tactfully teased....

In my Guest Book he chuckled and wrote it was certainly a first
As no other lady had ever chanced to discuss!
(well no other shops were open that early)
Memories of Michael will be of wit, caring and fun
Of this giant in the whisky world who called me his Mum!


Christine Logan - Lady of the Isles