Drink of the Week: Donna’s Pickle Beer

I don’t like pickles, or anything briny and vinegary. But when I first encountered Donna’s Pickle Beer at Gilly’s House of Cocktails in San Diego, I was intrigued. Pickle-infused beer has been around for decades. But the Imbibe 75 Place to Watch uses this 4.4% ABV brew, which launched in 2023, to top off their house Michelada. This ingenious addition gives the savory brunch drink a compelling layer of flavor. Then I found myself sipping the beer on its own.

Its dill notes hit upon first sip, followed by the mild tang of pickle brine, which transitions seamlessly to a satisfying bright finish, leaving me wanting another sip. I credit the fact that this isn’t a mouth-puckering sour but a quaffable American lager. Saaz and Hallertau Mittelfruh hops imbue the beer with floral, herbal notes, which marry beautifully with the pickle brine that’s added just before the beer is canned. Even though the beer is named after co-founder Joshua Jancewicz’s mother, its brine recipe comes courtesy of partner Scott Baird.

But what’s the connection to Jancewicz’s mom? “Growing up in a Jewish family, I spent a lot of time at the deli with my mom, grabbing corned beef sandwiches and Dr. Brown’s Black Cherry Soda after school,” he explains. “We’d always order an extra plate of pickles to go with our food. Pickles were just part of the experience.”

Part of the Pilot Project Brewing portfolio, Donna’s Pickle Beer is currently available to ship to 40 states. If you’re looking for something different from your usual lager to serve on game day, break out this brew. It might be a bit tame for hard-core pickle lovers, but I wager it will win over the pickle-averse. 6-pack/$15.99, pilot-project-brewing.myshopify.com