What a loss: First Alfred Peet then Michael Jackson

Two of my favorite beverage heroes passed away in the same week. First, the founder of Peets Coffee and Tea, Alfred Peet. Then, the beer hunter, Michael Jackson.

The first, Alfred Peet, the founder of Peets Coffee and Tea in Berkeley, CA. passed away in his home in Oregon on August 27th. Most people have never heard of him, but he was a big reason Starbucks got their start, and thereby was in some way the impetus for the Seattle coffee craze that has since swept our country. He was a dutch immigrant who came to the US and brought the dark roasted style of coffee with him. It was at his shop in Berkeley where he trained Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker how to roast coffee. These two would later move to Seattle and open the first Starbucks, modeling the store after Peet's shop. Baldwin eventually sold his share of Starbucks and purchased Peet's from Mr. Peet.

The second, Michael Jackson, passed on the 30th. Jackson was one of the major reasons craft beer has seen a resurgence in the past decade. He was a beer and whiskey critic and has written a whole slew of books on the subject of fermented malt beverages. Even though I never met the man, the beer world will mourn his loss. He was an incredibly positive person, and was a true beer advocate.

So, join me and raise a glass, or a mug, or a paper cup to these two great men.