When traveling in Japan, one of the best treats a beer lover can enjoy is the cold, refreshing taste of one straight from the tap. Referred to as nama, meaning “fresh” in Japanese, a draft beer can be a rewarding finish to a long day of sightseeing or a tasty companion to any of the country’s many culinary delights.
In Japan, many beer drinkers favor a fine and bubbly head on draft beers, as a combination of the mellow flavor and aesthetic makes for a satisfying drinking experience.
[Photo for illustrative purposes only]
However, with a busy travel schedule, you don’t always have the time to settle down for a draft beer. Fortunately, Japanese beer giant ASAHI BREWERIES, LTD. has released a new way to enjoy their beer that recreates the taste and feel of a beer straight from the tap—but in a can!
A draft beer in a can, the Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can!
The Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can is available in 340ml and 485ml sizes in Japan
When Umami bites writer and beer enthusiast Steven found out about the Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can, the world’s first canned beer that naturally develops a head when fully opened (based on Mintel’s database and Asahi Beer research, October 2021), he couldn’t wait to introduce it to fellow team member Bensky.
Yo Bensky! Did you know there’s a “draft beer” here in Japan like no other in the world?
Do you mean like some sort of special beer tap at an izakaya?
Hehehe…not quite! You don’t need to go to some fancy place like that to enjoy it. In fact, it’s right here in the fridge!
While it may look like a standard Asahi Super Dry can at first glance, the special quality of the Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can is revealed when you look at it from above. The can’s innovative design features a special wide lid and tab.
An innovative design lets you enjoy a true draft beer drinking experience
The can also features a unique interior coating that induces the beer to produce smaller bubbles. This, in turn, creates a smoother head compared to what you’d get from drinking straight from a standard can or pouring the beer into a glass.
The end result is a canned beer with a frothy head that delivers the pure and smooth taste of Asahi Super Dry, just as if you ordered a fresh draft beer served in a mug! As jokki is the word used for a beer mug in Japanese, it’s quite the fitting name.
Even though it’s in a can, it’s just like drinking draft beer from a mug! If you serve it chilled, you’ll see what I mean!
Alright, let’s see how this works!
See?! It’s just like ordering a cold one at a Japanese pub. It’s not just the looks, though, have a taste and find out!
OK, let’s give this beer a taste test! Cheers!
Bensky was immediately impressed by the smooth taste and creamy sensation delivered by the wide mouth of the can.
Wow! This isn’t your typical canned beer. You really get the full-on taste of the beer, and more to enjoy with a very fulfilling mouthfeel. Even the edges of the opening are smooth and safe to drink from. You can really take a big swig if you want!
Steven was quite charmed by how the can provides the experience of a drinking at a Japanese pub in different situations.
Right? It also really lets you appreciate the aroma of the beer. I think my favorite part is that it means you can enjoy the experience of drinking a draft beer at home, and during outdoor events such as flower-viewing season in Japan. It’s like having your own personal Japanese bar you can take with you.
Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can can be your beer companion in Japan, or a wonderful gift to show your friends back home
The Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can’s creative and convenient design definitely adds a lot of versatility to your drinking pleasure when traveling in Japan.
As Steven mentioned, you can enjoy it leisurely during your travels and by pairing it with a lovely bento. You can also keep some chilled at your lodging and enjoy the taste of draft beer from the comfort of your hotel room. You may want to note, however, that 485ml cans are sold only in Japan if you’re looking to buy one abroad.
The Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can really offers a unique and fun drinking experience
It also adds an element of excitement and surprise to the simple act of opening a beer, which makes it a wonderfully unique souvenir to bring back home with you to enjoy with your friends.
So whether you’re looking for a fun and new way to enjoy draft beer in Japan, or are looking for the perfect souvenir for a beer lover, why not pick up an Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can or two? The Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can proves your journey in Japan doesn’t need to be limited to any establishment, and can tag along with you!
Underage drinking (less than 20 years of age) and drink driving are prohibited by law. Enjoy your drink responsibly and recycle your can or bottle according to local rules.
