Looking for gift ideas for that one friend who loves beer? Jo Ye-lim, a BJCP-certified manager of Sour Pongdang, thinks you’ll definitely find something at Can Maker by Craftbros. In her words, its "execution of ideas is simply brilliant". While you can try over 40 different kinds of craft beer from all over the country in-store, you’ll probably want to buy some of these specially-designed cans to-go as well. Indeed, many come to this spot in Seorae Village not only for the diversity of craft beers but also for the unique souvenir that comes with each can. The design tells a whimsical story that lets you always remember the flavors and experience you had while drinking the beer.
The designs can only be appreciated after realizing how each can is a visualization aptly representing the specific beer contained inside. Each beer is also given its own line of products, including glassware, coasters and even posters. One of the most popular designs is for the ‘Brat’ double IPA, which features a cute character with its faced scrunched to highlight the dynamic taste of the 5 different kinds of hops used. Another example is with Craftbros Cosmos IPA, whose 3-dimensional poster was designed to symbolize the out-of-this-world sensation of the beer’s citrusy and hoppy flavors delicately combined in one sip.
Many customers have come to associate the beers with their specific designs to the point that some ask for a beer by describing the design. The name of the beer becomes almost irrelevant as the taste and memories of the beer are brilliantly captured with the product design. Indeed, Can Maker continues to emphasize the craft beer experience through design by collaborating with artists every two months to create new content.
Sitting in a quiet alley in Seorae Village, the pub’s sleek-yet-homey space is filled with a wall of beer cans—each designed with the signpost of Gangnam Station, Line 2, containing Can Maker’s very own, Gangnam Pale Ale. Be sure to arrive early and otherwise ready to wait, as the pub gets crowded from opening each night.