Stella Artois 19.2OZ

Stella Artois 19.2OZ is a 5.0% ABV Belgian-style pale lager served in a 19.2 oz single-serve can, brewed with Saaz hops and malted barley. Named World's Best International Lager at the 2019 World Beer Awards, this flagship lager from one of Belgium's most recognized breweries has been in production since 1926.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Leuven, Belgium  |  Style: Euro Pale Lager  |  Brewery: Brouwerij Artois

Production & Heritage

Stella Artois traces its origins to 1926, when Brouwerij Artois — a brewery with roots in Leuven, Belgium dating back centuries — released it as a limited Christmas beer ("Stella" meaning "star" in Latin). The recipe relies on a grain bill of malted barley and maize, hopped with a blend of Saaz and other European hop varieties prized for their mild bitterness and delicate floral character. What distinguishes the brewing process is an extended cold lagering phase at near-freezing temperatures lasting several weeks, a traditional pilsner technique that yields the beer's notably clean, crisp profile. Since 2021, Stella Artois sold in the United States has been brewed domestically by Anheuser-Busch, which owns the brand globally. The 19.2 oz can format — larger than a standard pint — is designed as a single-serve option that has gained popularity across convenience and on-the-go retail channels.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with mild floral hops and a light earthy quality characteristic of Saaz varieties. Behind that sits a biscuity malt undertone and faint grain sweetness that keeps the aromatics inviting and restrained.

Taste: The entry is clean and light-bodied, with soft malt sweetness arriving first and moving into a well-structured mid-palate where balanced hop bitterness emerges. Subtle citrusy hop notes weave through the barley malt backbone, creating a refreshing interplay that stays measured rather than aggressive.

Finish: The finish is dry, crisp, and moderate in length, with lingering grain and a whisper of floral bitterness. There's no cloying sweetness or harsh aftertaste — just a clean close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Stella Artois

Stella Artois drinks best well chilled, ideally between 38–42°F; pouring into a chalice or tulip glass releases more of its floral aromatics, though drinking straight from the 19.2 oz can suits its single-serve format. For beer-based cocktails, it works well in a Shandy, where its dry finish balances lemonade's sweetness without turning cloying. A Michelada benefits from the lager's clean malt character, which pairs naturally with lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice. A Black Velvet — equal parts lager and Champagne or sparkling wine — highlights the beer's light carbonation and subtle biscuit notes alongside the wine's acidity.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings where a single-serve format eliminates the need for glassware
• Watching live sports with a beer that stays crisp from first sip to last
• Introducing someone to European-style lagers beyond domestic light beer
• Pairing with lighter fare at casual dinner parties

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stella Artois taste like? Stella Artois is a crisp, light-bodied lager with biscuity malt sweetness, gentle floral hop bitterness, and a clean, dry finish. It emphasizes balance and drinkability rather than bold or aggressive flavors.

How does Stella Artois compare to Heineken? Both are European pale lagers at 5.0% ABV with wide global distribution, but Stella Artois tends toward a drier, more biscuity malt profile with Saaz hop florality, while Heineken leans slightly more bitter with a skunky hop edge often attributed to its green glass packaging. Stella's extended cold lagering also contributes a smoother mouthfeel relative to Heineken's sharper finish.

Is Stella Artois good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced malt-to-hop ratio and clean finish make it a straightforward, easy-drinking lager that doesn't require food or mixers to enjoy. The 19.2 oz can provides a generous single-serve portion without committing to a full six-pack.

Where is Stella Artois made? Stella Artois originated at Brouwerij Artois in Leuven, Belgium, where it was first brewed in 1926. In the United States, the beer has been produced domestically by Anheuser-Busch at various U.S. brewing facilities since 2021.

What foods pair well with Stella Artois? Moules-frites (mussels and fries) is a classic Belgian pairing, as the lager's carbonation and dry finish cut through the richness of butter-based broths. Grilled chicken or fish tacos match the beer's light body without overwhelming its subtle flavors. Margherita pizza works well, with the malt sweetness complementing tomato and mozzarella. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette mirrors the lager's citrusy hop notes. Mild, semi-soft cheeses like Havarti or young Gouda echo its biscuity malt character.

What sizes does Stella Artois come in? Stella Artois is widely available in 11.2 oz bottles (the traditional Belgian format), 12 oz bottles and cans, the 19.2 oz single-serve can, and various multi-pack configurations including 6-packs, 12-packs, and 24-packs.

Is Stella Artois worth the price? Stella Artois positions as a premium import-style lager, sitting above domestic light beers but below craft or specialty Belgian ales in price. The 19.2 oz can represents solid value for its size, delivering a well-made, award-winning European-style lager at a modest per-ounce cost within the premium lager tier.

Why Stella Artois?

Stella Artois earned its 2019 World Beer Award for World's Best International Lager on the strength of a recipe that has remained fundamentally consistent since 1926 — Saaz hops, malted barley, maize, and an extended cold lagering process that most mass-market competitors skip or abbreviate. The 19.2 oz can format makes it one of the more practical single-serve options in the premium lager segment, delivering nearly a pint and a half without requiring a bottle opener or glass. In a category crowded with similar-looking Euro lagers, Stella's drier finish and restrained floral character give it a identity that holds up under scrutiny. It remains one of the most widely recognized Belgian beer brands in the world for a reason — the fundamentals are sound.