YUM! Those look Beautiful!! I LOVE doing pastrami, have just used the store bought corned beef so far. It's so easy. Your rub looks super! I also steam mine after coming off the smoke, usually the next day, then it goes back in to chill before slicing, packaging and freezing. The slices freeze just fine, my hubby is hooked on it for his lunches; I gave my brother packages of frozen, sliced pastrami for his birthday - he loves a serious deli pastrami sandwich, he was so happy! My mom and sister in law were kind of "you gave him lunch meat for his birthday?? why is he so excited about that?" I know they'll all be back for more...