Stella Artois Midnight 6Pk

Stella Artois Midnight 6Pk is a limited-edition dark lager brewed at 5.4% ABV, sold in a six-pack of 11.2 oz bottles. This seasonal release stands apart from the core Stella Artois lineup by using roasted dark malts to achieve a jet-black pour while retaining the crisp, clean finish of a European-style lager — earning an 84 score on BeerAdvocate across more than 200 ratings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.4%  |  Origin: Baldwinsville, New York, USA  |  Style: Dark Lager  |  Brewery: Anheuser-Busch (Stella Artois)

Production & Heritage

Stella Artois traces its roots to Leuven, Belgium, with brewing heritage dating to 1366 and the Stella Artois brand name established in 1926. For the U.S. market, Midnight is brewed at the Anheuser-Busch facility in Baldwinsville, New York. The recipe relies on roasted dark malts alongside Herkules and Saaz hops — the latter a noble hop variety prized in classic European lagers. The result is a beer that looks like a stout but drinks like a lager: full in color, moderate in body, and notably smooth on the finish.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark chocolate and roasted coffee bean lead the nose, followed by subtle impressions of cut hay and toasted hazelnuts. There is a gentle nuttiness that rounds out the aromatics without overwhelming the malt character.

Taste: The entry is soft and carbonated, delivering immediate roasty dark chocolate and coffee notes across the palate. Mid-palate brings charred herbal tones and dark fruity berries — dried cherry in particular — with a creamy vanilla undercurrent that adds sweetness without cloying. The mouthfeel stays lighter than its appearance suggests, bubbly and clean rather than heavy.

Finish: Medium in length with a refreshing, lager-crisp close that clears the palate cleanly. Lingering notes of roasted almond and dark chocolate fade gradually, leaving a dry but smooth impression.

How to Drink Stella Midnight

Pour into a chalice or tulip glass at 40–45°F to open up the roasted malt aromatics while keeping the lager crispness intact. It drinks well straight from the glass without embellishment. A Black Velvet (half dark lager, half dry sparkling wine) highlights Midnight's roasty depth against bright acidity. A Michelada Oscura using Midnight in place of a standard lager adds chocolate-coffee complexity to the tomato-lime base. A Dark Lager Shandy with fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup lightens the roast character for warm-weather sessions.

Best For

• Introducing dark beer to friends who typically prefer lighter lagers
• Holiday gatherings where a seasonal, limited-edition beer adds occasion
• Pairing with hearty winter meals like stews or roasted meats
• Stout-curious drinkers seeking a less heavy, more refreshing alternative

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stella Midnight taste like? Stella Midnight delivers prominent dark chocolate and coffee flavors from roasted malts, balanced by dried cherry sweetness and a clean, crisp lager finish. It drinks lighter than its jet-black color implies, with soft carbonation and smooth edges.

How does Stella Midnight compare to a German Dunkel? Reviewers frequently compare Stella Midnight to a German Dunkel due to their shared dark malt character and lager fermentation. Midnight tends to lean slightly sweeter with more pronounced coffee and chocolate roast, while traditional Dunkels typically emphasize bready, toasty malt and a drier profile.

Is Stella Midnight good for beginners? Stella Midnight is an approachable entry point into dark beers because it pairs a visually dramatic pour with a body and finish closer to a standard lager than a heavy stout. Its moderate 5.4% ABV and smooth mouthfeel make it easy drinking for those unfamiliar with darker styles.

Where is Stella Midnight made? For the U.S. market, Stella Midnight is brewed at the Anheuser-Busch facility in Baldwinsville, New York. The Stella Artois brand originates from Leuven, Belgium, and is now part of the global AB InBev portfolio.

What foods pair well with Stella Midnight? Grilled steak benefits from the beer's roasted malt and charred herbal notes. Dark chocolate desserts echo and amplify the cocoa character. Aged Gouda or smoked cheddar match the nutty, toasty qualities. Barbecue ribs with a sweet glaze play well against the dried cherry undertone. Roasted root vegetables complement the malt sweetness without competing.

What sizes does Stella Midnight come in? Stella Artois Midnight is commonly available in a six-pack of 11.2 oz (330 ml) bottles, consistent with the standard Stella Artois bottle format.

Is Stella Midnight worth the price? Stella Midnight positions as a premium import-style dark lager within the macro-craft price tier, making it accessible while offering more complexity than most mass-market lagers. Its limited seasonal availability adds collectible appeal for fans of the brand.

Why Stella Midnight?

Stella Artois Midnight occupies a genuinely uncommon niche: a dark lager from a globally recognized brand that manages to deliver real roasted malt complexity — dark chocolate, coffee, dried cherry — without the heavy body of a stout or porter. The use of Saaz hops, a hallmark of European brewing tradition, adds a subtle earthy refinement that separates this from darker beers brewed purely for visual impact. Its 84-point BeerAdvocate score reflects solid community reception, and its limited seasonal release makes it a beer worth seeking out before it disappears from shelves. For drinkers who want the drama of a dark pour with the drinkability of a lager, Midnight delivers exactly that balance.