Description
Stella Artois 10Pk is a 10-pack of the iconic Belgian pilsner lager brewed at 5% ABV in 11.2 oz (330 ml) cans. Named World’s Best International Lager at the 2019 World Beer Awards, this bottom-fermented lager has been brewed in Leuven, Belgium, since 1926 and remains one of the most recognized European beer brands worldwide.
Quick Facts: ABV: 5% | Origin: Leuven, Belgium | Style: European Pilsner Lager | Brewery: Stella Artois (Anheuser-Busch InBev)
Production & Heritage
Stella Artois traces its roots to the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium, established in 1366, though the Stella Artois name was first used in 1926 as a limited Christmas brew “Stella” meaning “star” in Latin. The lager is bottom-fermented using malted barley, maize, and noble Saaz hops, then undergoes extended cold lagering at near-freezing temperatures. This prolonged maturation, combined with a proprietary Belgian yeast strain, produces the beer’s characteristically clean body and subtle fruity esters. Now brewed under the Anheuser-Busch InBev umbrella at facilities in Belgium and internationally, the recipe maintains its reliance on Saaz hops for their delicate floral and mildly spicy character.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Pours a clear golden hue beneath a thick, frothy white head. The nose opens with gentle floral hop notes courtesy of the Saaz hops, followed by light grain and a faint hint of green apple from the Belgian yeast.
Taste: The entry is soft and slightly sweet with a clean malt backbone that carries notes of grain and crackers. At mid-palate, mild fruity esters subtle pear and green apple emerge before a measured hop bitterness brings balance. The overall impression is light-bodied and well-structured without being heavy.
Finish: Crisp and dry with lingering floral hop character and a touch of citrus peel. The finish is clean and refreshing, tapering off quickly enough to invite the next sip.
How to Drink Stella Artois
Stella Artois is best served cold, ideally between 3638F, poured into its signature chalice glass to concentrate the floral aromatics and maintain a lasting head. It drinks well straight from the can on warmer days but rewards a proper pour.
- Michelada: The crisp, dry profile pairs naturally with lime, hot sauce, and Clamato, letting the malt sweetness temper the heat.
- Shandy: Mixed with fresh lemonade, the floral Saaz hop character adds complexity beyond what a standard lager delivers.
- Beer-a-Rita: The clean finish and light body make it an ideal base when blended with frozen limeade and a salted rim.
Best For
- Stocking a home fridge for casual weeknight dinners
- Hosting a barbecue or outdoor gathering with diverse palates
- Bringing to a dinner party as a universally approachable option
- Pairing with lighter fare like seafood, salads, or brunch dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Stella Artois taste like? Stella Artois delivers a balanced combination of mild malt sweetness with grain and cracker notes, subtle fruity esters of green apple and pear, and a crisp hop bitterness that finishes clean and dry. The floral Saaz hop character distinguishes it from many mass-market lagers.
How does Stella Artois compare to Heineken? Both are European pilsner-style lagers at 5% ABV, but Stella Artois leans slightly drier with more pronounced floral hop aromatics from Saaz hops, while Heineken tends to exhibit a somewhat sweeter malt profile and a more assertive bitter finish from its own hop blend. Stella also uses maize as an adjunct, contributing to its lighter, crisper body.
Is Stella Artois good for beginners? Stella Artois is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring European-style lagers, as its balanced flavor profile and moderate 5% ABV make it approachable without sacrificing character. The clean finish and low bitterness keep it welcoming for those less accustomed to hop-forward beers.
Where is Stella Artois made? Stella Artois originated in Leuven, Belgium, where the Den Hoorn brewery has operated since 1366, and continues to be brewed at facilities in Leuven and Jupille, Belgium. Under Anheuser-Busch InBev ownership, it is also produced at licensed breweries in the UK and other international locations to meet global demand.
What foods pair well with Stella Artois? Moules-frites (mussels and fries), a classic Belgian pairing where the dry finish cuts through the richness of the broth. Grilled white fish or shrimp, as the floral hops complement lighter seafood. Margherita pizza, where the crisp carbonation cleanses the palate between bites of mozzarella and tomato. Light salads with vinaigrette, which echo the beer’s mild citrus-peel notes. Soft cheeses like brie or camembert, whose creaminess balances the beer’s dry finish.
What sizes does Stella Artois come in? Stella Artois is widely available in 11.2 oz (330 ml) bottles and cans, 12 oz cans, single 25 oz cans, and multipack formats including 6-packs, 10-packs, 12-packs, and 24-packs depending on the market.
Is Stella Artois worth the price? Stella Artois positions itself as a premium import lager, priced above domestic macro lagers but below craft or specialty Belgian ales. The 10-pack format provides solid per-unit value for a beer that consistently delivers clean, balanced flavor and carries genuine European brewing heritage backed by international award recognition.
Why Stella Artois?
Stella Artois earned the title of World’s Best International Lager at the 2019 World Beer Awards a distinction rooted in its use of noble Saaz hops and extended cold lagering, two production details many competing international lagers skip. The brewery’s lineage stretches back over six centuries in Leuven, making it one of the oldest continually operating brewing sites in Europe. Its 10-pack format strikes a practical balance between a casual six-pack and a full case, suited to regular drinkers who value consistency. In a crowded field of European pilsners, Stella Artois holds its ground through restrained bitterness, genuine floral complexity, and a dry finish that cleans the palate rather than coating it.




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