If we were talking right now, you’d hear a slight inflection disrupting my monotone. That’s the sound of tremendous excitement in James Land, and man am I excited about this.

What you’re looking at is the first in a series of “beer road trips” that I’ll be doing for Paste. Equal parts list, travel essay, and beer review, they’re really a blast to write. Hopefully they’re as much fun to read.

Route 66 was the only way to kick off this series, so get in the virtual car with me and we’ll drink from California to Illinois.