"Set out with a true aficionado and affable guide to sample a dizzying array of beverages made in America's heartland. Expedition of Thirst maps routes that crisscross eastern Kansas and western Missouri, with stops at some 150 breweries, wineries, and distilleries along the way. Pete Dulin, a seasoned writer on the subject, explains how and why these businesses produce beer, wine, and spirits tied to regional terroir and represent the flavors of the Midwest from the Flint Hills to the Ozarks. More than a travel guide, his book is a cultural journal exploring the people, places, and craft that make each destination distinct and noteworthy. Dulin shares the stories of many of these brewers, winemakers, and distillers in their own words. Expedition of Thirst captures the character of the small business owners and makers and offers insight about their craft. For good measure, Dulin delves into the history, culture, and geography that have shaped these producers and their practices, from the impact of Prohibition to the early influence of immigrant winemakers and brewers, regional agriculture, and politics. As informative as it is engaging--even intoxicating--his Expedition is sure to work up readers' thirst to travel and discover firsthand the singular regional pleasures so richly described in these pages"--Provided by publisher.

"In Expedition of Thirst, KC-based food writer Pete Dulin explores 151 breweries, wineries, and distilleries across central Kansas and Missouri, from Hays in the west to Columbia in the east. This guidebook will be the first to look at all three types of local alcohol producers in the bi-state region, and the first to cover so much area, as most existing products only focus on Kansas City. Dulin structures the book along highways, guiding readers by the routes they would follow rather than by geographic zones or type of production. An introduction gives background on the history and culture of drinking in the region, particularly the ways major forces like Prohibition, transportation, and state laws impacted alcohol production and use. Entries provide the basic information expected in a guidebook, but also tell the stories of these venues and the people who run them. Readers will gain insight into how local history and conditions--such as ethnic brewing traditions, agricultural products, and politics--impact the beverages each company produces. Intended for residents and visitors alike, Expedition of Thirst will inspire readers to explore this growing industry and sample the history, terroir, and skill of regional vintners, brewers, and distillers"--Provided by publisher.