Stella Artois has come a long way since the time Sebastien Artois’s brewery opened in 1717. This beer, brewed in Leuven in Belgium in the Bohemian Pilsner style using fine Czech Saaz hops and I also believe hops from England, is a major beverage export. It has indeed become very popular in UK and other Northern European countries.I fist came across it as a young man on a trip to Ostend and later on visits to Leige, Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges.
It is usually billed as a Premium Belgian Lager and has a price which reflects its so called premium status. It has a clear, golden, palate, could be described as refreshing, and has a light hoppy aroma. Its alcohol content is 5.2% so it is a comparatively strong beer.
In my view Belgium, which although a very small country, produces an astounding variety of great beers. However, I would not place Stella Artois as among that country’s finest. There are wonderful beers such as Chimay, Duvel and Hogarden produced in Belgium which are no more costly but , in my opinion, infinitely superior. They are stronger, have a fuller body, and have a crisper, cleaner, nicer aroma.
Indeed I would more directly compare Stella with other light beers such as Millers and Budweiser from the USA rather than with the classic beers from Belgium. Newcastle Brown Ale, Budvar, Pilsner Urquell and Grolsch, all widely available in the UK and probably offer better value for money.
Stella Artois, like other lagers, goes down well with a fiery curry and is an acceptable accompiament to classic British pub food like a steak and kidney pie, steak and kidney pudding, toad-in-the-hole and bangers and mash. It s less suitable to accompany a ploughman’s lunch where a classic, traditional, British real ale would be a better choice.
In conclusion Stella Artois is a pleasant enough drink if you like a light lager but if you really appreciate fine beers from Belgium , it would not number among that country’s finest!.