The widget was a major innovation for nitrogen-poured beer lovers. I specifically remember when Guinness Draught first appeared. What is this thing in the bottom of the can? The widget is essentially a small plastic device meant to hold additional nitrogen gas and mix it in with the beer when poured. (For those that care : the solubility of Nitrogen in beer is much lower than CO2)
During my daily perusings of everything beer related, I came across this nice little article describing new research to create foam in non-carbonated beers. Researchers from the University of Limerick have found that pouring the stout over filter paper in the lab caused bubbles to form on the fibres. If the addition of a small amount of paper can create as many bubbles as the widget, the price might actually come down. (Whether you and I will see that savings is another matter.)
The article also gives a nice description of carbonation, bubble formation, and just exactly what those widgets are supposed to do. Just in case you ever wondered! It reminds Jake and I of all those days we spent in chemical engineering labs.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2011/03/11/3161408.htm
