Pipeworks Brewing & Manny’s Deli Collaborate on Beef-Focused Pastrami on Rye Ale

In a year that feels like it will never end, waiting almost a decade must feel like an eternity. Yet, some things are worth the wait. Case in point: the return of Pipeworks Brewing Co.’s Pastrami on Rye, which returns this month with a fun twist: a collaboration with local Chicago pastrami staple Manny’s Deli. First brewed in 2010, the eclectic ale is back again in 2020, thanks in small part to the beer-focused musings of one of our own writers: Mike Zoller (aka Instagram’s @ChicagoBeer) and the creative, collaborative spirit of two local Chicago businesses. Here are the details on what Chicago beer lovers can expect for the return of Pastrami on Rye. 

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The Weekly Buzz | November 9 – 15

It’s happened. A few meager inches of snow have fallen on southeastern Pennsylvania, and drivers who normally blow past my house at 20 MPH over the speed limit have slowed to an embarrassing crawl. I leave for work in three hours and I will lose my mind if the roads are still clogged with scared white-knucklers. This isn’t our first winter. I’m not asking you to maintain your normal clear-weather speeds, but at least act like you’ve seen snow before. Anyhoo… I found some stuff on social media and hope you like it. This is The Weekly Buzz.
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Pipeworks Brewing | Jones Dog Sundae: A Stout for Summer

Jones Dog Sundae from Chicago’s Pipeworks Brewing Company is a stout made for summer drinking. This sweet milk stout with natural flavors comprised of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry was brewed to be the boozy, liquid version of Neapolitan ice cream — the perfect warm weather treat!

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The Weekly Buzz | December 8 – 14

While canning, some beer inevitably ends up on the floor. That beer goes to waste–an acceptable loss in the packaging process. The world of beer news, however has a savior. We scoop up the small bits of news and shenanigans, clean them up and bring them to you. Crack open a beer because you’re about to get The Weekly Buzz!

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Ultimate 6er | Six Perfect Beers for Camping In The Midwest

When summer hits, people find just about any reason to spend time outdoors. For many that means camping. While camping can mean something different for each person, I think we can all agree that craft beer is a perfect companion for spending time in the great outdoors. Canned craft beer is especially ideal because it is lighter, easier to recycle and doesn’t break like glass bottles.

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Ultimate 6er | Chicago Summer Ale Varieties

The dog days of summer are upon us. With every drop of sweat comes a need for refreshment, and what better way to achieve that relief than with a beer? The citrus-laden and coconut-flavored brews are just begging to be enjoyed under the summer sun. Here are six summer ale selections to help carry you through July and onto the season’s dog days.

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The Weekly Buzz | December 30 – January 5

The first week of the year has been chock full of new beer and event announcements. Hopefully, this is a sign that 2017 will be a great year for craft beer. I’ve already started marking release dates on my calendar and making room in my refrigerator. Forget 2016. That was a garbage year. We’ve got to focus our positive energy on the next 359 days! Pull out your yoga mat, get into Downward-facing Dog, and get ready for The Weekly Buzz.

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What We’re Drinking | December 9, 2016

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That’s right! It’s time for all the winter blockbusters to be released into theaters near you! Whether you’re visiting a wizarding world or making a hyperspace jump to a galaxy far, far away, you can rejoice in the knowledge that many theaters now carry a selection of delicious craft beers. Pre-order some tickets, get a bucket of popcorn, and put your phone on vibrate. This is What We’re Drinking.

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The Weekly Buzz | October 28 – November 3

As we enter into November, we are all feeling beaten down and emotionally drained from all of the election coverage. The arguing and stupidity is really starting to take its … Read More

What We’re Drinking | October 14

For many Porchdrinkers, the second week of October has brought hardship and struggle (except for those jerks who were having a blast at GABF). The ingenious inventor of the #Bovapose evacuated her home before a Hurricane. Many struggled to keep their sanity during a bizarre presidential debate. I caught a cold. It’s now time to celebrate our collective coping mechanism and explore What We’re Drinking. 

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Ultimate 6er | The 2016 Evolution Fighting Game Championship Series

The world of eSports is vast and glorious; on the brink of mainstream acceptance through the understanding and mutual respect put into the time and skill of learning video games. There are games with underground followings like Counter Strike: Global Offensive and genres such as MOBAs that have reached the zenith of national sport. But today’s Ultimate 6er is centered around a breed settled when the quarters were slammed on the arcade cabinet in the days of yore: Fighting Games.

The Fighting Game Community or “FGC” has had a vigorous history through years of rigorous reinvention and a fervent, dedicated fanbase of thrill-seeking gamers. Beyond the coordination and strategy of other gaming tournaments, Fighting Games have an unmistakably thematic flair. The ups-and-downs of comeback, the mind game of predicting your opponent and the study of position create a viewing experience unlike any other. It’s just two players, two controllers, two characters drowning out the thousands of passionate fans to play the best match possible. Read More

What We’re Drinking | July 2nd, 2016

4th of July has arrived, my friends. We’ve got a long few days of PorchDrinking and sparkler-waving ahead of us, so stock up on your favorite summer brews and get ready to celebrate. Here are a few of our favorites. Break out the koozies and red solo cups… this weekend, we drink to Amurica! *clink*

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What We’re Drinking | May 20th, 2016

Welcome to the weekend, friends! I hope you’ve all had a successful American Craft Beer Week thus far — now let the real fun to begin.

This weekend, we drink to… well, we literally drink to beer! *clink*
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Inside the Tank | Pipeworks’ Gerrit Lewis

If you’ve walked into any beer store in Chicago, and now Colorado or New York, you’ve probably seen a Pipeworks beer. Known for their unique artwork and clever names, their beers have become well-known in the city and are sought after by craft beer fans in other states. From big IPAs to a barrel-aged program that is gaining notoriety quickly, Pipeworks Brewing Company is one of the best-known breweries in Chicago. They just moved into a massive new facility recently, so I went out there to talk with Co-Founder and Brewer Gerrit Lewis.

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