The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Beverage›Stella Artois
Culture & Lifestyle • Beverage

Stella Artois

Stella Artois is a Belgian pilsner beer first brewed in Leuven, Belgium, in 1926 by Brouwerij Artois.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Stella Artois is a Belgian pilsner beer first brewed in Leuven, Belgium, in 1926 by Brouwerij Artois. It is now owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev and is sold internationally as a premium lager brand. The beer’s name combines “Stella,” meaning star in Latin, with “Artois,” from the brewery’s historical name.

History

Stella Artois was introduced in 1926 as a Christmas beer in Leuven. Brand histories also connect it to the older Den Hoorn brewery, founded in the 14th century, and to Sebastian Artois, who later renamed the brewery.

Brand and production

The beer is part of the portfolio of Anheuser-Busch InBev and is produced as an international brand. Sources describe it as a premium Belgian lager or pilsner with global sales.

Name and identity

“Stella” is Latin for “star” and is associated with the Christmas season. The label and brand identity emphasize Belgian brewing heritage and the Leuven origin story.

Style and ingredients

Stella Artois is categorized as a pilsner and typically has an alcohol content in the 4.6% to 5.2% range. Commonly listed ingredients include hops, barley malt, maize, yeast, and water.

Key facts

  • Stella Artois was first brewed in 1926 in Leuven, Belgium.
  • It is a pilsner beer and is described as a lager.
  • The brand is currently produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev.
  • The name “Stella” is commonly explained as a reference to the Christmas star.
  • The brand markets a long brewing heritage linked to Leuven and the earlier Den Hoorn brewery.
🍁
Canadian context

Stella Artois is widely sold in Canada as an imported Belgian beer and is familiar to Canadian consumers in bars, restaurants, and retail beer listings.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stella Artois?
A Belgian pilsner beer brand first brewed in Leuven in 1926 and now owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Where was Stella Artois first brewed?
It was first brewed in Leuven, Belgium.
Why is it called Stella Artois?
“Stella” means star in Latin and is linked to its Christmas-beer origin; “Artois” refers to Sebastian Artois, a historical brewer associated with the brewery.
What style of beer is Stella Artois?
It is a pilsner, often described as a lager.
Who owns Stella Artois today?
Anheuser-Busch InBev is listed as the current manufacturer/owner.
What is its alcohol content?
Sources list Stella Artois at about 4.6% to 5.2% alcohol by volume, depending on market and variant.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella_Artois
    Supports: First brewed in 1926 in Leuven; pilsner style; ABV range; ingredients; manufacturer.
  2. PerfectDraft — https://www.perfectdraft.com/en-gb/blog/post/origins-stella-artois-brewery
    Supports: Describes Stella Artois as a Belgian lager and notes its production scale and serving tradition.
  3. The Drinks Business — https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2022/01/the-history-of-stella-artois/
    Supports: History of the brand; connection to Sebastian Artois; naming background.
  4. Stella Artois — https://www.stellaartois.com/en_gb/heritage/
    Supports: Brand heritage; Christmas star naming; trademark and launch history; sales claims.
  5. The Brussels Times — https://www.brusselstimes.com/799212/as-birthplace-brewery-celebrates-100-years-stella-artois-continues-to-shine
    Supports: Brewery and brand history; international availability; market position.
  6. eCampusOntario — https://www.ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/gned1478/chapter/stella-artois/
    Supports: Historical overview of Den Hoorn, Sebastian Artois, and the 1926 Christmas brew origin story.
  7. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella_Artois
    Supports: Ownership by Anheuser-Busch InBev; ABV range; brewing location and style.