Nendo Invents New Beer Can With Two Pull Tabs To Create ‘Perfect Foam’

When it comes to beer, there are two camps: those who love the foam and those who would rather go without it. In Japan, the bubbly goodness—known as beer heads—is considered essential to better-tasting beer.

In fact, the foam serves a purpose. The thick layer acts as a lid to keep the liquid from being exposed to the air, which preserves the beer’s aroma, flavor, and carbonation.

Local design studio Nendo has come up with a new iteration of a beer can, this time with two pull tabs instead of the typical one. And surprisingly, the differences in the distance between the two tabs actually affect how the drink tastes.

Based on research, the space between each pull tab and the lid changes the degree of opening. When the can is cracked open by the first tab, the lid creates a slight opening to produce foam.

Then, once the glass is half-filled with bubbles, the second tab is opened—with the lid exposed at its fullest—and the rest of the beer can be gently poured under the foam. This way, drinkers will achieve the “golden ratio” of 7:3 liquid to foam.

Perhaps this specially designed can is the key to savoring the true taste of beer when getting it on tap isn’t an option.

[via nendo, images taken by Masahiro Ohgami]