Would You Try a Pastrami and Rye Flavored Beer?

Have you been wishing for a beer that tastes like your favorite deli sandwich? OK, it may not be top on your list. But would you try it?

For the second year in a row, Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, a fourth-generation, family-owned deli in Chicago, released their Pastrami & Rye Beer in collaboration with Chicago-based Pipeworks Brewing Co. Manny’s is known throughout the Windy City for their piled high corned beef sandwiches, unique cafeteria-style interior, Ashkenazi specialties like kishke and, of course, their pastrami. But beer and deli isn’t necessarily a classic combination, the way Cel-Ray soda or egg creams might be.

“I was a little nervous to do this kind of collaboration, since I’m not really a beer drinker,” owner Dan Raskin said in a recent phone conversation. “But the result is very smooth and it really tastes like our pastrami recipe: a hint of smoke, a little sweetness, subtle notes of the spices, and very drinkable. It pays homage to pastrami, it’s not just a beer to drink with pastrami.”

The recipe has been tweaked since last year and is made with with smoked malt, brown sugar, black pepper, coriander, red pepper and mustard seed. Unfortunately, you’ll have to travel to Chicago to get some because the beer will only be for sale at Manny’s itself and wherever Pipeworks is locally sold. Last year it sold out completely, so if you want to get your hands on this, you probably shouldn’t wait.