The refreshing taste of Stella Artois can never be underestimated. But what is the Stella Artois alcohol content and how many calories will you gain by taking one beer?
Stella Artois is an “international” strong Pilsner beer currently owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev that contains between 4.6% to 5.2% alcohol content by volume in various markets and 5% in the United States. The beer was first brewed in 1926 by Brouwerij Artois in Leuven, Belgium. A 12-ounce serving (330 ml) of Stella Artois contains 154 calories.
It is currently brewed in the United States by Anheuser-Busch InBev but most people still refer to it as a Belgium beer. There has been a debate on whether the brewer retains the ABV that was found in the original iconic beer.
Let’s go through the alcohol content of Stella Artois and compare it with other Pilsners and Anheuser-Busch InBev Brands. Moreover, we will explore the calorie output of a serving of Stella Artois for your information as you indulge.
What is the Stella Artois alcohol content?
Stella Artois is a strong Pilsner beer produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev that contains between 4.6% to 5.2% alcohol content by volume in various markets and 5% in the United States. It is thus a high alcohol-content lager beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) that is higher than most other pilsners and other mainstream lagers.
The main challenge is that Stella Artois has been having an alcohol-content identity crisis in the United States. It was reported that the ABV of Stella Artois has been lingering between 4.6 % alcohol content by volume and 5.2% alcohol by volume in various markets by changes from AB InBev.
There is also a non-alcoholic (alcohol-free) Stella Artois that comes in at an ABV of 0.00%. The alcohol-free lager has an excellent flavor by utilizing the best, all-natural ingredients. This beer offers hoppy bitterness and a crisp, clean and refreshing finish, with just 60 calories per 12 oz. bottle.
People still refer to Stella Artois as a Belgium beer even though it is currently fully produced in the United States. It is distributed throughout the world and is a beer that is loved all over the world.
The high alcohol content beer has a high bitterness rating (IBU) of 24 but has balanced, bready, grainy, and neutral tasting notes. Thus, you will love the bold, fruity, and malty sweetness.
Most of the people who love the beer have an unparalleled love while others don’t like it at all. The triple-filtered continental beer is one of the green bottle beer brands that comes in a majestic green bottle and is branded with a bright red logo. It is almost a decade old with much history but the modern beer story described below is even more captivating.
Stella Artois can alcohol content
The alcohol content in a Stella Artois Can is 5% ABV. The European Pale Lager with an IBU of 24 is balanced, grainy, bready, and neutral in taste. Thus, due to the high alcohol content, taste and ingredients it makes a good choice if you want a robust beer.
However, Stella Artois has been undergoing an alcohol content identity crisis due to the reduction of the alcohol content to oscillate between 4.6% and 5.2%. However, the beer can is advertised as 5% alcohol by volume. Thus, 6.6 x 440ml cans of Stella Artois contain 14 units of alcohol.
However, the same Stella Artois that people know and love is available at 4.6% ABV in some countries and regions. The 4.6% ABV pilsner-style Stella Artois beer still retains its characteristically gold in color with an exceptionally clear appearance and a floral to spicy hop aroma.
Stella Artois alcohol content USA
The alcohol content of Stella Artois in the United States currently is 5% alcohol content by volume. This is different from the original form where the beer had a 5.2 percent ABV. This meant that the original beer was typically stronger than most mainstream lagers.
Most lagers have a crisp taste and generally low amount of alcohol content, unlike the former Stella Artois. The beer is packed in an 11.2 fluid ounce serving where you can buy the beer as a single beer or in a 12-pack of beer bottles is perfect for a family or friends gathering.
However, Anheuser-Busch InBev has been talking about responsible drinking and thus lowered the alcohol content to 4.6% in some markets. The high alcohol-content Belgian lager drink with an alcohol by volume (ABV) is an “international pilsner” currently brewed in the United States.
Stella Artois alcohol content UK
The Stella Artois alcohol content in the UK was reduced from the original 5.2% to 4.6% in Britain to support the mantra of Anheuser-Busch InBev of people having responsible drinking.
The same Stella Artois taste that people love and cherish is thus delivered in the UK by this beer containing 4.6% ABV. This led to some murmurs from the population who loved the 5.2% high alcohol content beer.
This means the beer also has a reduced calorie output which stands at 129 calories per 11.2 fl. Oz (331ml) or 176 calories in 1 can (440 ml) of Stella Artois. The calories come from the 4.6% alcohol volume, 10.6 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.3 grams of proteins per 330ml of this beer.
This is because as described below, the beer was associated with binge drinking, and domestic violence and thus was labeled as a “wife beater” in the United Kingdom. The other reason for lowering the ABV was the “evolving” drinking trends in the UK.
Stella Artois alcohol content Canada
Just like in the USA, the alcohol content of Stella Artois a European pale lager that is made by Labatt Brewing Company Ltd, Ontario, Canada is 5% ABV.
The beer is produced by experts as an authentic Belgian lager beer, containing a floral hop aroma, well-balanced fruity malty sweetness, and crisp hop bitterness.
The beer is packed in 24’s, 12’s, and 6’s packs of 330 ml bottles or cans. However, it can also be sold singly.
Stella Artois vs Heineken Alcohol Content
Compared to Heineken, Stella Artois is produced with a slight vegetal aroma even though both beers are European pale lagers, meaning they both have a mild herbal-like taste. The other aromas and tastes may be similar in malt, yeast, and mild citrus but the vegetal aromas set the two beers apart.
However, as we do our tasting, we found out that the taste of Heineken is stronger, more bitter, and lingers longer. Thus Stella Artois provides a smoother and much more drinkable beer. This is thus preferred by people who detest a strong aftertaste.
The alcohol content of Stella Artois and Heineken is similar with both beers having a 5% alcohol percentage by volume.
Thus, taking the same amount of these brews will give you the same alcohol content. However, you should note that the alcohol content varies according to the market thus in the UK the Stella Artois alcohol content will be different from that of Heineken. Moreover, we also have a lower alcohol content Heineken Light in the market today.
Coors Banquet vs Stella Artois Alcohol content
Stella Artois is an “international” strong Pilsner beer currently owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev while Coors Banquet is made by Coors Brewing Company. Stella Artois was first brewed in 1926 by Brouwerij Artois in Leuven, Belgium.
The Stella Artois Alcohol Content ranges between 4.6% to 5.2% alcohol content by volume in various markets and 5% in the United States while the alcohol content of Coors Banquet is 5%.
A 12-ounce serving (330 ml) of Stella Artois contains 154 calories while the same serving of Coors Banquet contains 147 calories. The calories for Stella Artois come from the alcohol content, 12.8 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. For Coors Banquet, the calorie output source is 5% alcohol, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein.
Stella Artois is markedly hoppier as compared to Coors Banquet. Thus, the IBU of Stella Artois is 24 while that of Coors banquet is 15. This reflects on the taste of the beer as you indulge.
Stella Artois beer Quick Description
| Specifications | Stella Artois beer Details |
| Beer type | Pilsner-style lager beer |
| First brewed | 1926 by Brouwerij Artois in Leuven, Belgium |
| Brewery | Anheuser-Busch InBev |
| Ingredient | Water, yeast, barley & non-malted grains, and the finest Saaz hops |
| Does it contain gluten? | It is not gluten-free |
| Calories | About 154 calories per 12-ounce serving |
| Carbs | 12.8 grams |
| ABV | 5% (4.6% to 5.2% ABV) |
| IBU | 24 |
| Packaging | Six-pack to 30-can pack (12 and 16 oz.) |
| Body | Medium body |
| Flavor profile | Bold, fruity, and malty sweetness- soft hops, crisp, refreshing flavor |
| Recommended Serving Temperature | 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Cost | Reassuringly expensive |
What kind of beer is Stella Artois?
Stella Artois is a Belgian lager that can be classified as a pilsner-style beer that was first produced in 1926. The beer, however, traces its roots to the Den Hoorn brewing enterprise
in 1366, in the Belgian city of Leuven where Stella Artois brewing started.
This beer was thus initially brewed as a special holiday beer and christened Stella. The beer has a special chalice that ensures that you enjoy the head foams perfectly and the aroma is preserved.
Stella Artois has a soft hop, crisp, refreshing flavor with a characteristically gold in color and an exceptionally clear appearance in addition to a floral to spicy hop aroma. The flavor includes the following tastes bold, fruity, and malty sweetness.
The beer is made from the main ingredients that make up a beer which is water, yeast, barley & non-malted grains, and the finest Saaz hops. Since the manufacturer does not count the special Stella Artois yeast as an ingredient but as a brewing agent, it lists three (3) main ingredients for the beer being water, barley, and hops.
The alcohol content for the beer lingers between 4.6 and 5.2 percent ABV depending on which market you are in in the world. However, compared to other beers, it is a strong lager since the alcohol content is higher and the taste is bolder. It is available on draught as well as in 11.2- and 22.4-ounce single-serve bottles. The packaging changes in different markets.
9-Step Belgian Serving Ritual
Stella Artois is a beer Born from 600 years of Belgium brewing heritage. To serve the beer, this AB InBev recommends a precise pouring ritual from the tap into its iconic chalice before taking the refreshing sip.
The beer has a light sweetness with a pronounced dry hoppy finish which needs to be enjoyed in a step-wise ritual. The steps include:
- the purification;
- the sacrifice;
- the liquid alchemy;
- crown;
- the removal;
- the skimming;
- the judgment;
- the cleansing; and
- the bestowal.
The beer combines an embodiment of class, trendiness, and sophistication to make it a hit in Belgium and other countries throughout the world. For the best taste, we recommend serving Stella Artois between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit using the ritual above.
Stella Artois ingredients
The premium lager beer is made from the 4 primary ingredients (finest natural ingredients) in a beer: water, yeast, barley & non-malted grains, and the finest Saaz hops. The brewmaster is able to expertly combine the traditional malted barley and European hops together to the filtered water to deliver an herby yet sweet and slightly hoppy lager.
The high quality and expertly selected hops set Stella Artois apart from other beers. These hopes give Stella Artois the floral aroma, malty sweetness, and refreshingly crisp finish. Therefore, you will get a lager that gives justice to the Stella Artois iconic chalice because of the balanced sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
The taste derived from these ingredients makes Stella Artois a good beer to pair with meaty, creamy foods and crispy salads. It also pairs well with intensely flavored Thai, Asian Fusion, and Indian dishes such as curries due to the crisp, refreshing flavor.
The Stella Artois’ unique yeast strain which is a lifetime long much-cherished secret enables the brewmaster to produce a beer that is high in alcohol but also great tasting.
The ingredients and brewing process make this beer a Euro Pale Lager. However, some people classify it as a pilsner. The ingredients when expertly brewed make a beer that pours like most lagers and thus has a thin, white head and a crisp, golden color.
Stella Artois Iconic Chalice
Stella Artois brewmasters have always used the ingredients above to produce a herby yet sweet and slightly hoppy lager. The beer deserves to be served in a signature glass (chalice) deserving the status of the beer.
Therefore, Stella Artois designed the iconic chalice to ensure as you take your sip, your drinking experience is enhanced. The chalice combines the following meticulously done parts:
- A Stella Artois chalice golden rim
The first thing you will notice is the gold rim on the chalice. The golden rim ensures that you recognize the content in the beer and thus sets the tone when taking the loved Stella Artois flavor and aroma.
The rim also is smooth to the tongue thus making the drinking experience better. You will love the part that every chalice is a replica of the other thus making every single Stella Artois partaker royal
- A Stella Artois chalice tulip silhouette
Who doesn’t know the Stella Artois tulip-shaped silhouette? The silhouette is elegant and instantly recognizable.
The silhouette is shaped like a tulip to create the perfect head which enables you to enjoy the taste and aroma of the beer that is delicately balanced.
You will also notice the Stella Artois label on every single chalice. The label is not to identify the chalice since everybody knows it but comes as a mark of quality assurance.
- A Stella Artois chalice distinctive stem
The chalice is embossed with the Stella Artois star which makes it a better stem to hold but also gives you the mark on your hand that assures you of quality.
The stem also gives your beer a chance to stay cooler for longer since you have somewhere to hold it other than the silhouette.
- The Stella Artois chalice strong base
For balancing the chalice, Stella Artois produced a chalice with a strong base. This ensures that you will not worry about the chalice tipping over. As you take your beer, the taste will excite your brain cells and this base keeps the beer grounded.
In case you do not have the iconic chalice, you can serve Stella Artois in a normal beer pint. This is however recommended if you pour Stella Artois correctly as indicated above.
Stella Artois wife beater
Stella Artois was nicknamed the “wife beater” in the United Kingdom because it was associated with binge drinking and aggressive behavior including domestic violence. The people who drank too much Stella Artois were thought to go home and beat their wives in Britain.
The beer had started a marketing campaign dubbed “reassuringly expensive” but was renamed “wife beater” which became more popular. Allegedly, the reason for domestic violence was the high alcohol content in the beer.
The nickname dimmed the Stella Artois star by so-called lager louts. Heavy drinking and aggressive behavior became a major issue that the brewery had to work on another campaign to improve the beer performance.
Moreover, we have seen allegations that Anheuser-Busch InBev reduced the alcohol content in the beer from 5.2% alcohol content by volume. The discussion was that the beer’s alcohol content oscillates between 4.6% to 5.2% ABV to satisfy the need for commitment to responsible drinking.
Conclusion
We have gone through the alcohol content of Stella Artois by volume. The beer has 5.2% alcohol by volume however there has been a discussion about the current ABV of the beer with the production of 4.6% ABV Stella Artois.
The beer has a 9-step drinking ritual that has stood the test of time. Moreover, the chalice is made in a special way to ensure you get the best every time you take the beer.
The ingredients that make up the beer are water, yeast, barley & non-malted grains, and the finest Saaz hops. They are expertly brewed to give you a beer with 12.8 grams of carbohydrates and 154 calories per 12 oz. serving.
Sources
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-494149/Where-did-wrong-beer-wife-beater.html
