Planning a trip to Tokyo? If not, you may want to, because it’s currently the only place you’ll get a chance to sample what is being dubbed “soft-serve beer.” Developed by Japanese macrobrewer Kirin, the cream that comes from the spigot is actually frozen beer foam, made my chilling their American pale lager Ichiban as air is continuously blown through it.

The high-tech substance is meant as a draft beer topper, and an insulating lid made of few swirls at the top of a pint will keep a brew cold for at least 30 minutes. As the foam melts, it doesn’t water down the beer like ice cubes would.

We haven’t seen any real reports on how the foam tastes on its own, but considering it’s source, hopes aren’t that high. However, we definitely think this is something a forward-thinking U.S. craft brewery could try out. We’re sure if a brewer collaborated with a science-y modern chef, someone like Alex Talbot from Ideas in Food, they could come up with a super-tasty, slightly boozy, totally new summertime treat. Who’s up for it?

via Gizmag