Kloud Original Gravity 22OZ

Kloud Original Gravity 22OZ is a 5.0% ABV Korean pilsner brewed by Lotte Chilsung Beverage, sold in a 22oz bottle. Distinguished by its Gold Medal at the World Beer Awards, this beer stands apart from mainstream Korean lagers through its Original Gravity brewing method — meaning no water is added after fermentation, delivering a noticeably fuller body.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Seoul, South Korea  |  Style: German Pilsner  |  Brewery: Lotte Chilsung Beverage

Production & Heritage

Lotte Chilsung Beverage, a subsidiary of the Lotte conglomerate based in Seoul, South Korea, launched Kloud as a direct challenge to the country's dominant light lager brands. The Original Gravity brewing technique is the defining feature: unlike most mass-market Korean beers, which are diluted with water after fermentation to hit target ABV, Kloud maintains the precise wort density from the initial brew through to packaging. The recipe relies on over 50% German hops, giving it a more European character than its domestic competitors. The result is a pilsner that retains more malt richness and hop complexity than what South Korean drinkers typically encounter from Cass, Hite, or OB.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet grainy malt leads, followed by a hint of spicy, floral hops. There is a soft breadiness underlying the nose that sets it apart from lighter Korean lagers.

Taste: The entry is malt-forward with flavors of barley malt, light buttered toast, and cereal grains. At mid-palate, floral and green hop notes emerge alongside subtle pomelo and citrus undertones. As it warms, a faint English-style woodiness develops, adding modest complexity.

Finish: Clean and moderately dry with lingering malt sweetness and a touch of earthy umami. A slightly mushroomy note appears at the tail end, balanced by moderate bitterness that keeps the finish from turning heavy.

How to Drink Kloud

Serve cold, between 38–42°F, in a clean pilsner glass to appreciate the light gold color and sustain the head. This beer drinks well straight from a chilled glass with no garnish needed. A Michelada benefits from Kloud's malt backbone, which holds up against lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice. In a Shandy, the soft breadiness pairs naturally with fresh lemonade for a refreshing warm-weather drink. A Beer Cocktail with Soju (somaek) is the quintessential Korean serve — Kloud's fuller body provides a smoother base than thinner domestic lagers.

Best For

• Pairing with Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or other bold Asian cuisine
• Introducing friends to Korean beer beyond Cass and Hite
• Casual weekend drinking when a pilsner with more body than average is desired
• Mixing somaek (soju + beer) with a smoother, maltier base

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kloud taste like? Kloud is a malt-forward pilsner with flavors of barley, light buttered toast, and cereal grains, accented by floral hops and subtle citrus notes. It finishes clean and moderately dry with a lingering hint of earthy umami.

How does Kloud compare to OB Beer? Kloud shares OB's general malt-leaning profile but delivers a fuller body thanks to its undiluted Original Gravity brewing method. Multiple reviewers note Kloud has more malt backbone than both Cass and Hite, placing it closer to OB but with a richer, cleaner character.

Is Kloud good for beginners? Kloud is highly approachable at 5.0% ABV with a smooth, malt-driven flavor that does not overwhelm with bitterness. It serves as an easy entry point for anyone exploring pilsners or Korean beer for the first time.

Where is Kloud made? Kloud is brewed by Lotte Chilsung Beverage in Seoul, South Korea. Lotte Chilsung is one of the country's largest beverage companies and a division of the Lotte conglomerate.

What foods pair well with Kloud? Korean fried chicken works well because the beer's carbonation and moderate bitterness cut through the oil and spice. Grilled galbi or bulgogi pairs naturally, as the malt sweetness complements caramelized meat. Steamed dumplings (mandu) match the soft breadiness of the beer. Spicy tteokbokki benefits from the clean, dry finish that refreshes the palate. Light seafood dishes like shrimp tempura are complemented by the citrus and floral hop undertones.

What sizes does Kloud come in? The expression featured here is the 22oz (650ml) bottle, which is a common format for Korean lagers and is designed for sharing or a generous single serve.

Is Kloud worth the price? Kloud positions as a slightly premium domestic lager within the Korean beer market, sitting above budget options like Cass and Hite. The Original Gravity brewing method and use of over 50% German hops justify a modest step up in price for drinkers seeking more flavor from a Korean pilsner.

Why Kloud?

The Original Gravity brewing process is the single most important reason this beer exists in a category crowded with diluted adjunct lagers. By skipping the post-fermentation water addition that is standard practice among mainstream Korean breweries, Kloud preserves a denser, more flavorful wort that translates directly into a fuller body and more pronounced malt character. Its Gold Medal at the World Beer Awards confirms that the method delivers measurable quality — judges praised the balanced malt-hop profile and clean, dry finish. For anyone seeking a Korean lager with genuine substance, Kloud remains the most accessible and widely available option in the category.