Pipeworks Cloud King 4Pk

Pipeworks Cloud King 4Pk is a hazy pale ale from Chicago's Pipeworks Brewing Co., packaged as a four-pack at 6.3% ABV. Cloud King carries a solid 3.9 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 700 user reviews, reflecting steady drinker approval for this approachable, hop-forward release.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.3%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy / New England Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Co. operates out of the Hermosa neighborhood on Chicago's northwest side. The brewery earned its reputation by releasing ambitious one-off beers at a rapid clip — at one point aiming for a new brew every week — building a devoted following among hop-centric beer enthusiasts. Cloud King represents a more accessible side of the Pipeworks portfolio, sitting alongside names like Lizard King and Blizzard King as part of the brewery's hazy and hop-forward lineup. As a New England–style pale ale, it is brewed to retain deliberate haze and emphasize juicy hop aromatics over sharp bitterness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical fruit and citrus peel rise first, followed by softer stone-fruit undertones. A light grain sweetness sits beneath the hops without competing for attention.

Taste: The entry is smooth and lightly creamy, characteristic of the hazy pale ale style. Mid-palate brings ripe citrus and a gentle, rounded bitterness that stays well below aggressive IPA territory. At 6.3% ABV, the body feels full enough to carry the hop load without tipping into heaviness.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, dry fade and lingering tropical-fruit echo. Bitterness recedes quickly, leaving behind a soft, almost pillowy aftertaste that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Cloud King

Pour cold into a tulip glass or shaker pint to let the aromatics open up; this style rewards a fresh, well-chilled serve straight from the can as well. Cloud King's moderate ABV and juicy character also make it a surprisingly capable cocktail and mixed-drink ingredient:

• Beer Shandy — mix half and half with fresh lemonade for a refreshing warm-weather drink that amplifies the citrus notes.
• Michelada — the soft bitterness and haze pair well with lime, hot sauce, and Clamato for a savory brunch option.
• Hop Radler — blend with grapefruit soda for a low-effort sipper that highlights the tropical hop profile.

Best For

• Introducing hop-curious friends to the hazy pale ale style without overwhelming bitterness
• Backyard cookouts and casual warm-weather gatherings
• Building a Chicago-brewery tasting flight alongside Lizard King and Blizzard King
• Weeknight drinking when a full-strength IPA feels like too much commitment

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cloud King taste like? Cloud King drinks like a juicy, citrus-forward pale ale with soft mouthfeel and restrained bitterness, typical of the New England hazy style. Tropical and stone-fruit flavors dominate, with a clean, dry finish.

How does Cloud King compare to Night Shift Whirlpool? Both are hazy pale ales in a similar ABV range with tropical and citrus hop character, but Whirlpool leans on Mosaic and Ella hops for a slightly more floral and melon-driven profile. Cloud King tends toward a softer, rounder mouthfeel in keeping with Pipeworks' house approach to hazies.

Is Cloud King good for beginners? Yes — at 6.3% ABV with low bitterness and a fruit-forward flavor profile, Cloud King is one of the more approachable entries in the hazy category and works well for drinkers moving beyond mainstream lagers.

Where is Cloud King made? Cloud King is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Co. in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks has operated from this northwest-side Chicago location throughout its history.

What foods pair well with Cloud King? Grilled chicken tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical hop notes. Fish and chips benefit from the beer's soft bitterness cutting through fried richness. A citrus-dressed arugula salad mirrors the bright aromatics. Mild, creamy cheeses like fresh mozzarella or burrata echo the pillowy texture. Spicy Thai noodles work well because the fruit-forward hops temper chile heat.

What sizes does Cloud King come in? Cloud King is commonly available as a four-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release.

Is Cloud King worth the price? Cloud King positions as a mid-range craft pale ale, priced in line with other four-pack hazy offerings from established regional breweries. Its consistent Untappd ratings and drinkable 6.3% ABV make it a reliable value within the hazy pale ale segment.

Why Cloud King?

Pipeworks built its name on ambitious, limited-run beers, and Cloud King distills that creative energy into an everyday-drinking format. The 6.3% ABV keeps it sessionable without sacrificing the juicy, haze-forward character that defines the style. With a 3.9 Untappd rating across hundreds of reviews, it has earned a dependable reputation among hazy pale ale drinkers rather than relying on hype alone. For anyone seeking a well-made Chicago hazy that balances hop intensity with easy drinkability, Cloud King fills that role with confidence.