Stella Artois 12Pk Cans

Stella Artois 12Pk Cans is a 12-pack of 11.2 oz cans of the iconic Belgian-style pilsner lager brewed at 5.0% ABV. Named World's Best International Lager at the 2019 World Beer Awards, this bottom-fermented lager traces its roots to Leuven, Belgium, and remains one of the most recognized European beer brands worldwide.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Leuven, Belgium (Heritage)  |  Style: European Pilsner Lager  |  Brewery: Brouwerij Artois (AB InBev)

Production & Heritage

The story of Stella Artois begins at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium, with records dating to 1366. Sébastien Artois acquired the brewery in 1717, and the "Stella" name — meaning "star" in Latin — was introduced in 1926 as a Christmas seasonal brew before becoming a year-round flagship. Brewed as a bottom-fermented pilsner using malted barley, maize, water, and notably Saaz hops — the same noble hop variety prized in classic Czech pilsners — Stella Artois is now produced under the Anheuser-Busch InBev portfolio, with U.S. market cans brewed domestically since 2021.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet grain and gentle floral notes greet the nose first, followed by a subtle malty sweetness. A faint touch of yeast and mild herbal character from the Saaz hops rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is clean and slightly sweet, with grainy malt and a hint of corn forming the body on the mid-palate. Light carbonation acidity lifts the flavor as crisp Saaz hop bitterness emerges, balancing the malt without overwhelming it. A faint berry-like undertone occasionally surfaces beneath the dominant grain character.

Finish: The finish is soft, dry, and moderately short, with residual hop bitterness lingering just enough to invite the next sip. It leaves a clean, refreshing impression without any cloying sweetness.

How to Drink Stella Artois

Stella Artois is best served cold, ideally between 36–38°F, poured into a chalice glass to capture the floral aromatics and maintain the signature fluffy white head. Straight from the can works equally well for casual settings. For cocktails, try a Shandy — the dry finish pairs naturally with fresh lemonade; a Michelada — the light body and crisp bitterness stand up to lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice without turning heavy; or a Beer Margarita (Beergarita) — the pilsner's clean malt sweetness blends smoothly with frozen margarita mix for a laid-back summer drink.

Best For

• Stocking a cooler for backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings
• Hosting a dinner party where an accessible European lager complements a range of cuisines
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing 12-pack to a friend's house
• Everyday unwinding after work with a clean, no-fuss pilsner

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stella Artois taste like? Stella Artois delivers a crisp, clean profile built on grainy malt sweetness, subtle corn flavor, and a light floral hop bitterness from Saaz hops, finishing soft and dry.

How does Stella Artois compare to Heineken? Both are European-heritage lagers, but Stella Artois tends toward a lighter body with a slightly sweeter aftertaste and faint vegetal hop notes, while Heineken leans into a more pronounced skunkiness and a touch more bitterness on the finish. At 5.0% ABV in the U.S. versus Heineken's 5.0%, the alcohol levels are identical.

Is Stella Artois good for beginners? Yes — its mild bitterness, approachable malt sweetness, and clean finish make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring European-style pilsners beyond domestic light lagers.

Where is Stella Artois made? Stella Artois originated at Brouwerij Artois in Leuven, Belgium, a brewery with roots stretching back to 1366. Since 2021, cans sold in the U.S. market have been brewed domestically under the Anheuser-Busch InBev umbrella.

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 butter sauces; grilled chicken or fish tacos — the light body won't compete with fresh herbs and citrus; margherita pizza — malt sweetness echoes the tomato sauce while carbonation cleanses the palate; charcuterie boards — mild hop bitterness contrasts cured meats and aged cheeses; and Thai green curry — the crisp, clean lager tempers moderate spice.

What sizes does Stella Artois come in? Stella Artois is widely available in 11.2 oz cans and bottles in 6-packs, 12-packs, and 24-packs, as well as single 25 oz cans and draft formats.

Is Stella Artois worth the price? Stella Artois positions as a premium import-style lager, sitting above mainstream domestic brands but below craft pilsners in price — a solid value for drinkers who want a step up in flavor and heritage without a specialty beer price tag.

Why Stella Artois?

Few lagers carry nearly seven centuries of brewing lineage behind every sip. The 2019 World Beer Award for World's Best International Lager validated what millions of drinkers already knew: Stella Artois delivers a reliable, well-balanced pilsner built on genuine European brewing tradition. The use of Saaz hops — the same noble variety that defines Czech pilsners — gives it a floral crispness that separates it from most mass-market competitors. For a 12-pack that bridges everyday drinkability and continental pedigree, this remains one of the most dependable choices in the import lager aisle.