Stella Artois Solstice 24OZ

Stella Artois Solstice 24OZ is a triple-filtered citrus lager brewed at 4.5% ABV and sold in a 24-ounce single-serve can. This seasonal expression earned a Silver medal at the 2024 World Beer Awards, building on a Bronze from the prior year — recognition that underscores its place among well-executed warm-weather lagers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: Baldwinsville, NY (Belgian heritage)  |  Style: Citrus Lager  |  Brewery: Stella Artois (Anheuser-Busch)

Production & Heritage

Stella Artois traces its brewing lineage to Leuven, Belgium, where records of the Den Hoorn brewery date to 1366. The Solstice expression is currently brewed and bottled in Baldwinsville, New York, under the Anheuser-Busch umbrella. It uses 100% malted barley as its grain base and is infused with Citra and Amarillo hop essences to deliver its signature citrus character. The beer undergoes triple filtration — a hallmark of the Stella Artois brand — resulting in a noticeably clean, crisp body that distinguishes it from hazy or unfiltered seasonal competitors.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pleasing bready malt aromatics before giving way to bright lemon zest and a subtle herbal hoppiness. A faint barley sweetness lingers underneath, keeping the profile grounded.

Taste: The first sip delivers a crisp, clean entry with gentle malty sweetness. At mid-palate, zesty citrus — predominantly lemon — expands across the tongue, lifted by the Citra and Amarillo hop essences. A light carbonation keeps the body refreshing rather than heavy.

Finish: The finish is short to medium, closing with a pleasant touch of bitterness that balances the earlier sweetness. A clean, dry exit makes the next sip come naturally.

How to Drink Stella Solstice

Serve it well chilled, ideally between 38–42°F, straight from the 24-ounce can or poured into a pilsner glass to release the citrus aromatics. The Solstice also works as a component in simple beer cocktails: try it in a Shandy with fresh-squeezed lemonade for a doubled-down citrus effect; mix it into a Michelada where the lemon notes harmonize with lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire; or use it in a Beer Margarita (Beergarita) where its crisp body and citrus edge replace the need for extra sour mix.

Best For

• Poolside or beach-day drinking where a larger-format, easy-drinking lager is ideal
• Summer barbecues and cookouts as a crowd-pleasing alternative to standard light lagers
• Watching a game when you want a flavorful step up from macro lager without a heavy pour
• Casual gifting in warm-weather variety packs or seasonal beer samplers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stella Solstice taste like? Stella Artois Solstice delivers a crisp, clean lager base accented by zesty lemon-citrus notes from Citra and Amarillo hop essences, with a light malty sweetness and a dry, slightly bitter finish.

How does Stella Solstice compare to Michelob Ultra? Both target warm-weather occasions, but Solstice carries a richer malt body and distinct citrus hop character at 4.5% ABV, while Michelob Ultra (4.2% ABV) leans toward a lighter, more neutral profile marketed around low calories and carbs. Solstice is the more flavorful option; Ultra appeals to drinkers prioritizing nutritional stats.

Is Stella Solstice good for sipping on its own? Yes — its triple-filtered crispness, balanced citrus notes, and moderate 4.5% ABV make it easy to enjoy straight from the can or poured into a glass without any additions.

Where is Stella Solstice made? Although Stella Artois originated in Leuven, Belgium, with brewing roots dating to 1366, the Solstice expression is brewed and bottled in Baldwinsville, New York, by Anheuser-Busch.

What foods pair well with Stella Solstice? Grilled shrimp or fish tacos complement the beer's lemon-citrus notes; herb-roasted chicken echoes its subtle herbal hoppiness; a light Caesar salad mirrors the crisp, clean finish; and soft, mild cheeses like fresh mozzarella balance the gentle malt sweetness without overpowering it.

What sizes does Stella Solstice come in? The expression is available in 24-ounce single-serve cans, and may also appear in multi-pack formats of standard 12-ounce cans or bottles depending on seasonal availability.

Is Stella Solstice worth the price? Stella Solstice positions as an accessible, premium-leaning seasonal lager — priced in line with other import-style offerings. The triple filtration, hop-essence infusion, and 2024 World Beer Awards Silver medal provide solid value within the flavored lager segment.

Why Stella Solstice?

The Solstice expression stands apart from the core Stella Artois lineup by introducing Citra and Amarillo hop essences into a base that retains the brand's signature triple-filtered crispness. Its Silver medal at the 2024 World Beer Awards validates the balance between citrus brightness and clean malt backbone. At 4.5% ABV in a generous 24-ounce format, it delivers on both flavor and sessionability — a combination that many fruit-flavored lagers struggle to achieve. For drinkers looking for a step beyond standard light beer without venturing into craft territory, the Solstice fills that gap convincingly.