I Miss Michael

Stephen Beaumont - Remembering Michael Jackson

Beergeek — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:00:04 +0000

Frequently cited as one of the world’s leading writers on beer, Stephen Beaumont has been documenting the world of beer, spirits, food and travel for over fifteen years. Since his start penning the “Brew” column for Canada’s largest circulation newspaper, The Toronto Star, Stephen has championed the cause of good beer in publications ranging from The International Herald Tribune to Wine Enthusiast to Esquire, and authored five books, including the critically applauded “Premium Beer Drinker’s Guide” (a “thorough, smart and accurate” read, says Saveur magazine), and “The Great Canadian Beer Guide, 2nd Edition.”

A tireless advocate of all things good and gastronomic, Stephen is perhaps best known for his work involving the partnership of beer and food, a passion that led directly to his involvement in the ownership and operation of beerbistro, one of North America’s premier locations for creative beer cuisine, located in downtown Toronto. His work in the restaurant world has not slowed down his writing one iota, however, and Stephen still contributes regularly to a host of publications including Hemispheres , Flavor & The Menu and The Globe and Mail, and maintains regular columns in Paste, The Malt Advocate, The Celebrator, Ale Street News, Flavours, City Bites and the hospitality industry journal, Cheers. Stephen is also a member of the tasting panel for All About Beer Magazine and the Council of Advisors for The Gerson Lehrman Group, as well as a blogger for Adams Beverage Media, That’s the SPIRIT, and his site World of Beer.

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Tom Peters, co-owner of Monk’s Cafe, Philadelphia, PA

Beergeek — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:00:08 +0000

Beer lovers the world over know of the fantastic Belgian beer bar in Philadelphia, Monk’s Cafe. Tom Peters, co-owner, of this wonderful bar, is a perfect example of the great American publican. Through his passion to serve the greatest beer in the world to thirsty Philadelphia beer drinkers, Monk’s Cafe has been able to gain the distinction as one of the best places to find Belgian beer outside of Belgium.

For years, Michael Jackson has held guided tastings in Philadelphia and he will be missed. This year at the Philly Beer Week (March 7-16, 2008) there are multiple events honoring the memory of Michael. For complete info, check out Philly Beer Week.

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David Keene - Toronado, San Francisco, CA - Remembering Michael Jackson

Beergeek — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 02:17:34 +0000

This time it is our pleasure to talk to David Keene, owner of the Toronado, the “punk club with a good selection of beer” in the lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. Affectionately known as “Big Daddy”, he has done an amazing job of creating a community around great beer in the Bay Area. Opening 20 years ago when the beer availability wasn’t what it is today, David did whatever it took to get the best beers on tap at the Toronado. In those 20 years, he has created quite a legacy, had at least 3 beers named after him, had countless brewed for him, and started the now world famous Barleywine Festival (starts Feb. 16th).

The best description of the Toronado ever written comes from the label of Cable Car, a beer created by The Lost Abbey in San Marcos, CA to commemorate Toronado’s 20th anniversary. It reads:

You’ve made it to 547 Haight Street. This destination is more San Francisco than Rice A Roni, Chinatown, and Lombard Street combined. Welcome to Broadway for brewers everywhere. Everyone who is anyone has poured their kegs here. For the last 20 years, this place has launched careers, confirmed legacies, and since 1987 the only name you need to know is David Keene.

Take a seat. Tip Strong. Nod appreciatively and don’t ask stupid questions. Welcome to Big Daddy’s House known to most simply as “The T-Room.” Here the bartenders are fluent in English, German, Flemish, French, Waloon and Czech. But they’re most know for their American Lip Service. Watch it. The lady with the jet black hair behind the bar eats idiots for lunch.

Many think that Toronado is the best beer bar in the country. I couldn’t agree more. One thing is for sure, Toronado is a truly great place. It is that way because of David Keene and his endless devotion to truly great beer.

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Tribute at the 2007 GABF Part 2

Beergeek — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:08:05 +0000

In this final part of the tribute to Michael Jackson at the 2007 GABF we hear from panelists Dave Alexander from The Brickskeller, Mark Dorber from the Anchor Pub (formerly of the White Horse), Charlie Papazian of the Brewers Association, Garret Oliver and Steve Hindy of Brooklyn Brewery. Discussion continues with panelists memories of Michael, views on what Michael Jackson meant for beer in America, and his influence on the beer industry. This talk is hosted by Tom Dalldorf, Editor of Celebrator Beer News.

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Tribute at the 2007 GABF Part 1

Beergeek — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 08:58:34 +0000

A special panel of guests assembled at the 2007 GABF to remember Michael Jackson. Here we present video of the panel talk hosted by Tom Dalldorf, Editor of Celebrator Beer News. Panelists include Charlie Papazian of the Brewers Association, Garret Oliver and Steve Hindy of Brooklyn Brewery, Dave Alexander from The Brickskeller, and Mark Dorber from the Anchor Pub (formerly of the White Horse). In this first of two parts, we hear from Charlie Papazian and Garret Oliver.

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Sam Calagione - Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton, DE - Remembering Michael Jackson

Beergeek — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:19:57 +0000

In this installment of Remembering Michael Jackson we talk to Sam Calagione at the 2007 GABF in Denver, Colorado. Sam Calagione is the founder and President of Dogfish Head Brewery. He is also an author, an inventor, and a rapper. In addition to being one of the more inventive brewers, Sam loves to push beer in directions never thought possible. He has traded back and forth with Sam Adams for bragging rights as brewer of the world’s strongest beer — World Wide Stout tops out at over 18% and the 120 Minute IPA is at 20% (and 120 IBUs!). Sam has spent lots of time and shared many miles with Michael and has some great memories of him to share.

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Vinnie Cilurzo - Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, CA - Remembering Michael Jackson

Beergeek — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 23:53:53 +0000

Presenting the first in a series of interviews with people who have been impacted in one way or another by Michael Jackson. This series is called “Remembering Michael Jackson, The Beer Hunter.”

In this podcast we speak with Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, CA. Vinnie is one of the premier brewers of the burgeoning barrel conditioned beer revolution going on in the United States. Taking influence from Belgian brewers and California vintners alike, Vinnie has created some of the most interesting beers ever produced.

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Welcome to I Miss Michael

Beergeek — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:47:34 +0000

Hello and welcome. I’ve launched this site as a way to help us all remember the amazing beer and spirits writer, Michael Jackson. His influence is undeniable. He helped strengthen the microbrewery revolution here in the US by exposing beer lovers to the beer styles of the world through his writing and speaking. He helped most of us, directly or through his influence on others, learn more about the beer we drink. Because of this far-reaching, but I think somewhat unknown , influence, I started this site as a repository of information, memories, and media about the Beer Hunter.

Initially I will be posting videos (also available as a podcast) of interviews with industry people about the influence of Michael Jackson in the beer and spirits industries. I’ll also be soliciting input from you, the readers, on what you remember of Michael. Feel free to contact me with any suggestions you might have by adding a comment to this post.

Cheers,
Jeff