For beer drinkers weary of imbibing from the traditional aluminum cylinder, Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD 0.13%) has introduced an alternative. Starting next month, the company will offer its signature brew Budweiser in a bowtie-shaped can. The new configuration will be available in special eight-packs in the popular beer's U.S. retail outlets starting on May 6.

The design of the vessel apes Budweiser's bowtie logo. In spite of its apparent simplicity, it has been in development since 2010. In the press release introducing the product, Anheuser-Busch InBev took pains to say that it will not replace the company's traditional can form.

One potential drawback for fans of the drink, however, is volume -- the bowtie can holds only 11.3 ounces of beer, as opposed to 12 in the standard version.