Michael Jackson's World-Class Beers

I feel that there are some on that list I cannot properly comment on. I do not drink imported Pils because the chances of me tasting the beer the way it was meant to be enjoyed are slim.

Overall I agree that many on the list are world class beer, many the quintessential example of their style. Bigger, bolder and more aggressive versions of many of the styles have become more prominent and popular but I do not feel like that should take away from the world class status of many of these beer.

The only beer on that list I cannot personally agree with is Guinness. Admittedly, I am not a fan of the style but even with that taken into consideration I am still not impressed with the beer.

 

What is "real Guinness," the pastuerized crap that is served across the pond? Or is it any of the other numerous versions of Guiness?

 

The US would have a longer list today.

The German list would be very much the same, but Salvator has come under some criticism, and Jever has lost bitterness to my taste.

The Belgians would be similar. Some new ones might be added there.

Is Thomas Hardy's still made? Brakspear was out of procuction for a while and is back, I have not had any pints of Bitter since the move. Guiness, well maybe, just maybe.

 

Recently had some Brakspears , brewed by Marston's these days, cracking good stuff which belies its strength.

The UK has moved on a hell of a lot since MJ's day , now there are around 1000 breweries.

 

How old is that list?

 

The books was originally published in 1986 I believe.

 

The Guinness Extra Stout brewed in Ireland was wayyy better than the contract one brewed in Canada. That being said, MJ included it in his list, I would not or maybe I would depending on when he put out that list.

Edit. Okay, 1986. Could have been on my list...

 

The first MJ Pocket Guide to Beer, US edition was 1982, but that list is not from that edition (too early for Alaska Brewing Co., for one).

 

I gotta say, it's because of Michael that I had originally given the Pilsner a shot, and for whatever reason have not been able to enjoy it much

 

nothing on that list jumps out at me as inappropriate. i haven't had all of them, but i've had most. (shrug)

i'm not a huge rodenbach fan, but i can see why one would be.

like kzoobrew, i avoid most imported light lagers because i don't believe they'll survive the trip (or be sold to me in a timely fashion). if i had to guess, i'd say all of those listed are probably great fresh. pilsner urquell is decent even after it makes it over here and sits on a hot shelf for awhile.

 

The first edition, 1982, he gave 5 stars 1 to Guinness Extra Stout (Britain and Ireland) and to Foreign Extra Stout. The other versions (3 Draughts and Extra Stout ([North America]) were rated lower.

1 In later editions, the rating system was lowered to * ---> ****.

 

Urquell used to be a top notch beer of the style, as long as it wasn't light struck.

 

I think it may just be my taste for the style, rather than the actual beer itself. I've been trying to get myself into pilsners more now. And while it's not Czech, I have been meaning to try prima pils to try and turn my tastebuds....not to get off topic

 

No no no, the beer is NOT the same beast it used to be.
Re Prima Pils...a great example of a very hoppy Pils. When you get some, enjoy them!

 

Absolutely. The old Canadian Labatt concocted Guinness was easily one of the worse beers I can remember drinking. Thank good that license to brew is long long gone.

 

I gotta agree that Duvel deserves to be up there. Holy hell that stuff was amazing.

 

In MJ's day Guinness could be bought in bottle conditioned form , vastly better stuff than the nitro travesty which bears its name today.

 

(Since it's on the desk...) Here are some more "World Class" (then 5 stars) from the First Edition, 1982.


Germany
Einbecker Ur-Bock
Dortmunder Kronen Export
Kulminator 28 Urtyp Hell
H.B. Edel-Weizen
Spaten Dunkel
Weihenstephan Weizenbock
Berliner Kindl Weisse

Belgium
Liefmans Provisie
Hoegaards* Wit - *(yeah, that's how it's spelled)
Saison Dupont

UK
Courage Imperial Russian Stout
Gales Prize Old Ale
Mackeson Stout
Whitebread Gold Label
Marston's Pedigree
Marston's Owd Roger
Highgate Mild
Belhaven 80/

US
Anchor Steam was the only US 5 star beer
The only 4 star ("highly distinctive") US beers at the beginnings of the "craft era" were

Rainier Ale​

(Schmidt's) Prior Double Dark​

(Falstaff's) Ballantine India Pale Ale​