Stella Artois Solstice 6Pk

Stella Artois Solstice 6Pk is a citrus-forward lager brewed with Citra and Amarillo hops, packaged in a six-pack at 4.5% ABV. This expression earned a Silver medal at the World Beer Awards, where judges praised its "harmonious balance between malt and hop" and called it a "satisfying and well-rounded drinking experience."

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: Baldwinsville, NY, USA  |  Style: Citrus Lager  |  Brand: Stella Artois

Production & Heritage

Stella Artois traces its origins to Leuven, Belgium, with brewing roots dating to 1366 and the Stella brand name introduced in 1926. Solstice represents a deliberate departure from the flagship's traditional Saaz hop character, instead employing Citra hops (15% alpha acids) and Amarillo hops (11% alpha acids) to deliver a distinctly citrus-driven profile at a restrained 4 IBU. The base is built on 100% malted barley kilned to 2°–3° Lovibond — placing it firmly in pilsner or pale malt territory — and the beer undergoes triple filtration using particulate filtration, fining agents, and chill filtering for a clean, bright pour.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bready, honey-like malt leads, followed by gentle floral hop character. Subtle banana and grapefruit notes emerge beneath a light grassy quality from the lager yeast.

Taste: The entry is light and effervescent, with malt sweetness arriving first as crackers and honey. Mid-palate shifts to grapefruit pith and orange zest from the Citra and Amarillo hops, though the citrus character fades quickly. A faint lemon quality lingers alongside the cereal grain backbone, with virtually no perceptible bitterness given the 4 IBU rating.

Finish: Dry and crisp with a slightly chalky mouthfeel. The finish is clean and brief, with a whisper of hop bitterness and residual honey sweetness trailing off.

How to Drink Stella Solstice

Serve well-chilled, ideally between 38°F and 42°F, in a pilsner glass or the brand's signature chalice to capture the citrus aromatics. The low bitterness and light body make it a natural session beer for warm-weather drinking.

• Shandy: The existing citrus hop profile pairs naturally with fresh lemonade, reinforcing the grapefruit and orange zest notes without added sweetness overwhelming the beer.
• Michelada: Solstice's clean malt base and dry finish stand up to lime, hot sauce, and Clamato without competing flavors clashing.
• Beer Spritz: Mix with Aperol and a splash of soda for a low-ABV summer aperitivo — the honey malt sweetness bridges the bitter orange liqueur.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and warm-weather entertaining where a light, approachable lager is needed
• Introducing craft-curious drinkers to hop-forward flavors at a gentle intensity
• Pairing with grilled seafood or lighter summer fare
• Stocking a cooler for beach trips or tailgates where sessionability matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stella Solstice taste like? Stella Solstice delivers light honey and cracker malt sweetness upfront, followed by a brief wave of grapefruit pith and orange zest from its Citra and Amarillo hops, finishing dry and crisp with minimal bitterness.

How does Stella Solstice compare to Michelob Ultra? Both target the light, sessionable lager drinker, but Solstice uses Citra and Amarillo hops for a more pronounced citrus character, whereas Michelob Ultra focuses on a neutral, low-calorie profile with minimal hop expression. Consumer reviews suggest Solstice delivers noticeably more flavor complexity at a comparable ABV range.

Is Stella Solstice good for beginners? Yes — at 4.5% ABV with only 4 IBU of bitterness, it ranks among the most approachable hop-forward lagers available, making it a gentle entry point for drinkers exploring citrus-driven beer styles.

Where is Stella Solstice made? Stella Solstice is brewed at the Anheuser-Busch InBev facility in Baldwinsville, New York, though the Stella Artois brand originated in Leuven, Belgium, with brewing heritage dating to 1366.

What foods pair well with Stella Solstice? Grilled shrimp or fish tacos complement the citrus hop notes. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette echo the grapefruit and orange zest character. Mild soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella match the delicate malt body. Lemon-herb roasted chicken bridges the honey malt sweetness and herbal hop undertones.

What sizes does Stella Solstice come in? The standard format is a six-pack of bottles or cans, typically in 11.2 oz or 12 oz servings depending on the packaging run.

Is Stella Solstice worth the price? Stella Solstice positions as a premium domestic lager, sitting above mainstream light beers but below most craft six-packs. The unique hop bill and triple-filtration process offer tangible differentiation from standard adjunct lagers in the same price tier.

Why Stella Solstice?

The combination of Citra and Amarillo hop essences replacing the traditional Saaz hops used in classic Stella Artois gives Solstice a genuinely distinct identity within the brand's lineup. Its World Beer Awards Silver medal validates the balance the brewers achieved between citrus aromatics and a clean malt backbone. At 4 IBU, it manages to deliver hop-derived flavor without the bitterness that turns many mainstream lager drinkers away from hop-forward styles. For anyone seeking a step up in flavor from standard light lagers without committing to the intensity of an IPA, Solstice occupies a practical middle ground with proven drinkability.