Beer mat
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “History and beer culture”.
Explanation
Round piece of cardboard under the beer glass. The beer mat made of wood-pulp board was invented in 1892 in Dresden by Robert Sputh. It protects the table, soaks up drips, and was once placed on top of the glass to keep things from falling in. The landlord marks on it with strokes how many beers have been drunk.
Test your knowledge
What glass is Kölsch served in?
- A tulip glass
- The slim Stange
- The one-litre Mass (about 34 fl oz)
Show answer
Correct: The slim Stange. The Stange holds only 0.2 l (about 6.8 fl oz) so that the Kölsch stays fresh. The waiter keeps bringing more until a beer mat lies on the glass.
When does the Köbes in Cologne stop bringing more Kölsch?
- After exactly ten glasses
- When a beer mat lies on the glass
- When you wave
Show answer
Correct: When a beer mat lies on the glass. The Köbes is the waiter in a Cologne brewpub. He replaces empty glasses without being asked.
What did Robert Sputh from Dresden patent in 1892?
- The cardboard beer mat
- The glass beer mug
- The swing-top closure
Show answer
Correct: The cardboard beer mat. In Bavaria the beer mat is still called a “Bierfilzl”, after the older felt coasters.