Khukri Lager 22OZ

Khukri Lager 22OZ is a Nepalese-inspired premium lager brewed in the United Kingdom at 4.7% ABV, available in a generous 22-ounce bottle. This distinctive beer earned a Gold Quality Award from Monde Selection in 2012, underscoring the quality behind its blend of South Asian recipe tradition and established British brewing expertise.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.7%  |  Origin: London, United Kingdom  |  Style: Premium Lager  |  Brewery: J.W. Lees & Co

Production & Heritage

Khukri Lager was born in 2003 through a partnership between J.W. Lees — one of Britain's oldest independent breweries, established in 1828 — and Mahanta B. Shrestha, a non-residential Nepalese restaurateur based in London. The beer fuses original Nepalese lager recipes with the brewing heritage of J.W. Lees, using a 100% malted barley grain bill, Target hops, and water sourced from the Lake District. The result is a lager that bridges two culinary cultures, named after the iconic curved blade carried by Nepal's legendary Gurkha soldiers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a pronounced malty sweetness, followed by subtle notes of hay and a faint metallic mineral quality. A delicate floral hop character lingers underneath, keeping the aroma clean and inviting.

Taste: The palate entry is smooth with a full-bodied malty sweetness that quickly takes center stage. At mid-palate, flowery hop notes emerge and gently balance the grain-forward character. A light bitterness develops toward the peak, preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying.

Finish: The finish is crisp and moderately dry, closing with a slightly bitter aftertaste that encourages another sip. It is clean in length without excessive lingering, consistent with the premium lager style.

How to Drink Khukri Lager

Serve well-chilled at 38–42°F in a clean pilsner glass or straight from the bottle; no garnish is needed to appreciate its malty depth. A Shandy works well here — the malty sweetness pairs naturally with lemonade for a refreshing warm-weather drink. A Michelada benefits from Khukri's body, which stands up to lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire without losing its identity. A Lager and Lime — the classic British pub serve — amplifies the floral hop character with a citrus accent.

Best For

• Pairing with Nepalese, Indian, or Thai cuisine at a dinner gathering
• Introducing friends to South Asian-influenced craft lagers
• Relaxed weekend barbecues where a full-flavored lager outperforms lighter options
• Stocking a world beer collection with a distinctive Anglo-Nepalese selection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Khukri Lager taste like? Khukri Lager delivers a prominent malty sweetness balanced by flowery hops and a clean, slightly bitter finish. It is smooth and full-bodied for a lager, with a deep golden pour and crisp drinkability.

How does Khukri Lager compare to Gurkha Beer? Both are Nepalese-heritage lagers brewed in the UK, but Gurkha Beer is generally regarded as having a more balanced hop-to-malt profile. Khukri leans further into malty sweetness, making it a richer, slightly heavier drinking experience.

Is Khukri Lager good for pairing with spicy food? Its full-bodied malt backbone and moderate 4.7% ABV make it a strong companion for spicy dishes, as the sweetness helps temper heat while the crisp finish cleanses the palate between bites.

Where is Khukri Lager made? Khukri Lager is brewed in London, United Kingdom, by J.W. Lees & Co, a historic independent brewery founded in 1828. The recipe was developed in 2003 through a collaboration with Nepalese restaurateur Mahanta B. Shrestha.

What foods pair well with Khukri Lager? Momos or Nepalese dumplings mirror the beer's cultural roots and match its malty weight. Tandoori chicken benefits from the floral hops cutting through smoky spice. Fish and chips is a natural British pairing where the crisp finish refreshes a rich, fried dish. Mild curries find balance in the lager's sweetness, and grilled sausages complement its full body.

What sizes does Khukri Lager come in? The 22-ounce bottle is the widely available format, providing a generous single-serve portion ideal for a full meal pairing.

Is Khukri Lager worth the price? Khukri positions as an accessible premium import lager, priced comparably to other specialty world beers. Its Monde Selection Gold award and unique Nepalese-British heritage offer genuine distinction within the import lager category at its price tier.

Why Khukri Lager?

Few lagers on the market can claim a genuine cross-cultural pedigree backed by a Monde Selection Gold Quality Award. The 100% malted barley grain bill and Lake District water provide a clean, quality foundation, while the original Nepalese recipe contributes a malty richness uncommon in mainstream lagers. Brewed by J.W. Lees, a brewery with nearly two centuries of independent operation, Khukri carries real production credibility rather than a borrowed story. For drinkers seeking a premium lager with substance and provenance beyond the usual European imports, this 22-ounce bottle delivers on both fronts.