Beer Mats

commonly known as Coasters

The official name is not beer coaster, but actually beer mat. They were originally placed on the top of the glass instead of the bottom. During the 1800’s drinking in the outside beer gardens of Germany allowed bugs, and other outdoor droppings, to find their way into the mug. The common man couldn’t afford the high end tankards with lids, so the beer mat was used more as a protective cover than a blotter.