“Here’s to Michael Jackson, Cheers” September 30, 2007

He has been called “The Bard of Beer, “The Beer Hunter,” and even “The True King of Beer!” Michael Jackson, the man who did more than any other to influence the direction of craft beer, here and throughout the world, is dead, though his spirit lives on in every pint we drink. Michael first visited Seattle in 1978. Each time he returned, the beer scene improved significantly thanks to his research, extraordinary writing ability and personality. His books, lectures, videos, appearances, and the beers they inspired, introduced a whole new generation of beer enthusiasts and brewers to classic brewing styles, the culture and taste of beer.
Locally, in just 29 years, we have gone from no local craft breweries to 20 and, nationally from 2 to 1400 microbreweries. The Seattle area ranks among the top nationally for the per capita consumption of craft beers. In Belgium, Michael is responsible for resurrecting a moribund brewing culture; in his own England, where, when he started writing, he witnessed a disproportionate growth in light lager at the expense of the ales that he loved, and then a renaissance of traditional styles; and throughout the world, where the old model of only light lagers being available is hopefully, gone forever.
To commemorate the life of this great man and to raise awareness and money for the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Pike Pub, described by Michael as “A shrine to beer”, will join other craft brewers in Seattle and around the world in a united toast; we’ll lift a pint or two in tribute to Michael.
“Here’s to Michael Jackson, Cheers”
When: Sunday, September 30, 2007
Where: The Pike Pub
1415 1st Avenue - Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 622-6044
Time: 5 pm to 7 pm
World-wide toast at 6 pm Pacific Time
Special Beers $4.00 per pint - 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The Northwest Parkinson's Foundation.
A selection of cask condition beers will be offered that would make Michael proud have been donated by:
The Big Time Brewery, Seattle: Bagwan’s Best IPA
Baron Brewery, Seattle: Oktoberfest
The Pike Brewing Company, Seattle: Old Companion
(Pike Place Old Companion was first brewed in 1992 to commemorate Michael’s 50th birthday which he celebrated in Seattle.)
In keeping with Michael’s love for jazz, a local jazz group will entertain.

If you are unable to attend this tribute, please consider making a donation to

The Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation in tribute to Michael. A tax deductible donation can be made at their website www.nwpf.org or by mail to
400 Mercer Street #401, Seattle, WA 98109-4641