The Official Beer Mat Flipping Website

Honestly, do you think there is a history to beer mat flipping?  Let’s start with the history of the beer mat first.

Beer Mats

Beer mats and coasters have been used for centuries.  Back in the 19^th century, they were used to protect the poor mans’ drink from insects and dirt.  The wealthy enjoyed their drinks from tankards with lids of pewter or silver.

Felt was used originally, but as they used to get damp and get used more than once, it only promoted the growth of bacteria and was seen to be unhygienic so alternative materials were used.

In 1880’s, Friedrich Horn, a cardboard packaging and printing company in Buckau near Magdeburg in Germany, started to punch coasters from cardboard and took the initiative to print various motifs on them. 

Today, these motifs have turned into a multi-million dollar advertising medium promoting everything from the vast range of beer brands, to sporting events and even corporate messaging.

Beer Mat Flipping

Beer mat flipping is normally something of a skill that is handed down the family blood line.  Fathers will turn to their sons and demonstrate the masterful and yet simple, flip and catch.  Otherwise, it is introduced and competed amongst peers in drinking establishments.

Awe-inspiring to most when the stack seems unachievable, the natural desire is most certainly to replicate such a feat and beat it.  Adding another beer mat to the pile, the challenge is set.

If we speak to our parents and grandparents, I’m sure they will claim that beer mat flipping was around in their time.  However, with no such documentation, the history of beer mat flipping is up for an open debate.

So rather than look back, let’s look forward.  Grab a beer mat or two (dozen) and make your own piece of history.