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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Stella Artois

Stella Artois is a Belgian pilsner beer first brewed in Leuven, Belgium, in 1926 by Brouwerij Artois.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Stella Artois is a Belgian pilsner first brewed in Leuven in 1926. It is now owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev and sold internationally as a premium lager.

What it is

Stella Artois is a pilsner beer, often described as a lager, with an alcohol content between 4.6% and 5.2%. It is brewed using Saaz hops, malted barley, maize, yeast, and water. The brand is marketed as a premium Belgian beer and is widely available in Canada as an imported product.

History and name

First brewed in 1926 as a Christmas beer in Leuven, the name “Stella” means star in Latin, referencing the Christmas star. “Artois” comes from Sebastian Artois, who acquired the brewery in the 18th century. The brand also ties its heritage to the older Den Hoorn brewery, founded in the 14th century.

Style and production

Stella Artois is categorized as a pilsner and is produced globally by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Its label emphasizes Belgian brewing tradition and the Leuven origin. In Canada, it is a familiar imported beer found in bars, restaurants, and retail stores.

In short

  • First brewed in 1926 in Leuven, Belgium.
  • A pilsner style lager, 4.6–5.2% ABV.
  • Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.
  • Name references Christmas star and brewer Sebastian Artois.
Canadian angle

Stella Artois is widely sold in Canada as an imported Belgian beer and is familiar to Canadian consumers in bars, restaurants, and retail beer listings.

Quick questions

What is Stella Artois?
A Belgian pilsner beer first brewed in Leuven in 1926, now owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Why is it called Stella Artois?
“Stella” means star in Latin, linked to its Christmas-beer origin; “Artois” refers to Sebastian Artois, a historical brewer associated with the brewery.
What style of beer is Stella Artois?
It is a pilsner, often described as a lager.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella_Artois
    Supports: First brewed in 1926 in Leuven; pilsner style; ABV range; ingredients; manufacturer.
  2. PerfectDraft — https://www.perfectdraft.com/en-gb/blog/post/origins-stella-artois-brewery
    Supports: Describes Stella Artois as a Belgian lager and notes its production scale and serving tradition.
  3. The Drinks Business — https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2022/01/the-history-of-stella-artois/
    Supports: History of the brand; connection to Sebastian Artois; naming background.
  4. Stella Artois — https://www.stellaartois.com/en_gb/heritage/
    Supports: Brand heritage; Christmas star naming; trademark and launch history; sales claims.
  5. The Brussels Times — https://www.brusselstimes.com/799212/as-birthplace-brewery-celebrates-100-years-stella-artois-continues-to-shine
    Supports: Brewery and brand history; international availability; market position.
  6. eCampusOntario — https://www.ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/gned1478/chapter/stella-artois/
    Supports: Historical overview of Den Hoorn, Sebastian Artois, and the 1926 Christmas brew origin story.
  7. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella_Artois
    Supports: Ownership by Anheuser-Busch InBev; ABV range; brewing location and style.