Donna's Pickle Beer
Donna's Pickle Beer is a pickle-brine American lager from Donna's — a crisp, all-American lager base infused with real pickle brine just before canning, so the dill-and-brine tang rides on top of an easy-drinking lager instead of a sour. Contract-brewed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Pilot Project Brewing and sold in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans, it is the beer for pickle people. Stock up online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV/Proof: 4.4% ABV (per the brewery; some retailers list 4.7%)
- Size: 6-pack of 12oz cans
- Style: pickle-brine American lager — not a sour
- Origin: brewed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by Pilot Project Brewing for Donna's
- Production: American lager base with pickle brine added before canning; Saaz and Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops
Named for Donna
The brand was incubated at Pilot Project Brewing and named for Donna — the mother of co-founder Joshua Jancewicz, whose Jewish deli-family pickle memories are the whole point of the beer. The brine recipe comes from partner Scott Baird, and the lore runs back to Donna eating pickles from a jar backstage and a kiss from a beer-drinking Mick Jagger. Imbibe named it a Drink of the Week in January 2025. See the full Donna's range or browse our craft beer selection.
Tasting Notes
Clear bright golden pour with dill and pickle aroma up front, a mild briny tang and subtle sweetness over a light-bodied lager base, finishing crisp and refreshing.
How to Enjoy
Ice-cold straight from the can — it is a natural with burgers, cookouts, and brats. It also makes a ready-built Michelada base over ice with lime and hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donna's Pickle Beer a sour beer?
No — it is an American lager infused with pickle brine, not a kettle sour; the tang is brine, not acidity.
What is the ABV?
4.4% per the brewery's own listing (some retailers list 4.7%).
Where is it brewed?
Contract-brewed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Pilot Project Brewing's facility.
What size is it sold in?
6-packs of 12-ounce cans.
Briny, crisp, and built for the grill — order Donna's Pickle Beer online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.