Raising a Toast to The Beer Hunter

Last month the craft beer community lost one of its greatest advocates with the passing of Michael Jackson, the "Beer Hunter." Jackson's research and writing on this singular subject laid the foundation for the beer, wine, and spirits writers that followed, raised awareness of the passion and commitment to excellence that the best brewers apply to their craft, and lifted beer to a level where it was considered worthy of mention in the same breath as wine and fine spirits as an acceptable pairing with good food. Mr. Jackson's expertise was not limited to beer. He also wrote at length about wine and spirits, had a palate for pairing food and drink to match the best sommeliers and hunted down classic cocktail recipes as well as he did beer styles.

To celebrate Jackson's life a "National Toast to Michael Jackson" is scheduled for 9 p.m. Sunday. In Chicago, mass toasts are scheduled at Map Room and Lush Wine & Spirits' University Village location. People interested in attending either of these, or hosting a toast of your own, are encouraged to add a listing to Yahoo's Upcoming page under the tag "mjbeerhunter."

This is a chance to celebrate the life of a man who lived his life to the fullest, often with a glass in hand en route to his lips. It's only fitting that beer lovers do the same just once in honor of him.

Image via White Beer Travels.