Michael Jackson Popularizes The Modern Concept Of Beer Styles

In 1977, British beer writer Michael Jackson published The World Guide to Beer. Rather than treating beers only as isolated brands or broad types, Jackson organized brewing traditions from different countries into what he called “the classic beer styles,” distinguishing beers through their methods, origins, and established characteristics. On page 14, Jackson explained: “If a brewer specifically has the intention of reproducing a classical beer, then he is working within a style. If his beer merely bears a general similarity to others, then it may be regarded as being of their type.” Earlier writers had classified beers in other ways, but Jackson’s international guide helped establish and popularize the modern concept and terminology of beer styles. By discussing regional traditions such as Düsseldorf Altbier alongside Kölsch, Berliner Weisse, lambic, porter, and other distinctive beers, Jackson also introduced many local European styles to a much wider international audience.