What is a Bierdeckel?

German beer coasters, traditionally known as a Bierdeckel (beer cover or lid), have a rich history dating back to the 1800s. During this era, drinking beer outdoors in a traditional Biergarten posed the constant risk of unwanted objects falling into your beverage. Wealthy individuals utilized Steinkrugs equipped with attached pewter lids to prevent this issue. To take a sip, one would simply lift the pewter lid with their thumb and close it back to safeguard their drink from bugs and debris.

The Evolution of the Beer Coaster

While ceramic coasters were initially used by the public, their weight and fragility made them impractical for busy taverns. They were soon replaced with round pieces of thick felt, also known as a Bierdeckel®. This felt material was highly absorbent for wiping up spills and provided excellent protection for drinks. However, while these felt coasters could be washed and air-dried for reuse, tavern owners often neglected to fully clean or dry them. This led to unhygienic conditions, as the felt became molded and soggy while sitting on top of drinks.

The Invention of the Cardboard Bierdeckel®

In 1892, an inventor from Dresden named Robert Sputh revolutionized the industry. He created a machine that produced the first cardboard Bierdeckel® by pressing wood pulp into molds, squeezing out the water, and drying the pieces. While innovative, these early versions were quite thick and not very resistant to moisture.

A decade later in 1903, Casimir Otto Katz from Murgtal improved upon this idea. He began manufacturing the Bierdeckel® out of sheets of wood pulp derived from Spruce fibers. By punching the disks out of large sheets, the manufacturing process became vastly more efficient, and the resulting coasters were significantly stronger and longer-lasting.

The Modern Bierdeckel® USA Experience

Today, our line of reusable products draws direct inspiration from traditional wooden beer barrels, reminiscent of those used during massive Oktoberfest celebrations. Designed with premium engineering, our versatile Bierdeckel can accommodate a wide variety of drink sizes—from standard American pints to traditional 0.5 L Oktoberfest mugs, and even the famous Das Boot. Whether you are hosting a backyard Biergarten party or managing a busy festival tent, our products are engineered to protect your drink while celebrating authentic European culture.