Stella Artois (pronounced /ˈstɛlə ɑrˈtwɑː/) is a 5.2% ABV global lager first brewed in Leuven, Belgium in 1926 as a Christmas brew, and named Stella after the Latin for "star."[1] Although Belgium is best known internationally for its ales, the so-called "table beers," the bottom-fermented pilsner lagers such as Stella Artois head the list for domestic consumption, making up almost 75% of Belgian beer production. Stella is promoted as an international brand by InBev. In its home market of Belgium, however, it is marketed, priced and sold as a regular lager. It is brewed in Belgium and the United Kingdom, as well as other countries, including Australia. Much of the Stella Artois exported from Europe is currently produced at InBev's brewery in Belgium, and packaged in the Beck's brewery in Bremen, Germany. Contrary to popular belief, the Stella Artois brand has not been producing the product since 1366. The Anno 1366 on the Stella Artois logo refers to the origin of brewing in the city of Leuven. The city's tax records dated 1366 mention the existence of a local brewpub called Den Hoorn, ('Hoorn' in Flemish meaning 'Horn' in English, as is represented in the logo on the beer label). The name Artois was coupled to the brewery in 1708, when new owner Sebastian Artois achieved the title of master brewer. The frame that surrounds the name Stella Artois on the label refers to the traditional style of window frame found in Flemish architecture. Stella Artois is available on draught and in several packaged sizes, including a 275 ml bottle, 284 ml bottle, a 330 ml bottle, a 440 ml can, a 50cl can, a pint size can known as "La Grande Biere" (568 ml), 66 cl bottle, 70 cl bottle and a 1 litre bottle.
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History
1366 - Its origins lie as far back as 1366. Records of taxes exist on Leuven's Den Horen Brewery, a brewery that is still in existence today. 1708 - Sebastian Artois becomes the master brewer at Den Horen. 1717 - Sebastian Artois gives his name to the brewery. 1926 - Stella Artois was launched initially as a seasonal beer especially for the Christmas holiday market. 1930 - The first Stella Artois beer is exported to the European market. 1960 - 1 million hl of Stella Artois is produced annually for the first time. 1993 - InBev open a new fully automated brewery in Leuven. 2006 - Total production volume reaches over 10 million hl annually.
Advertising
Stella Artois' advertising slogan in the United Kingdom is "Reassuringly Expensive." The UK television advertising campaigns have become known for their distinctive style of imitating European cinema and their leitmotiv inspired by Giuseppe Verdi's La forza del destino. The campaigns began with a series of adverts based on Jean de Florette, moving on to other genres including war movies, silent comedy and even surrealism (for which the slogan was changed to "Reassuringly Elephants"). They have used notable movie directors such as Jonathan Glazer. The aim is to portray a sophisticated European culture somewhat belied by the popular conception of the beer. The ads are wholly performed in French, leading some to believe that Stella Artois is a French beer. Many of these ads can be viewed on YouTube. In Belgium, Stella Artois is promoted as Mijn thuis is waar mijn Stella staat and Chez moi, c'est près de ma Stella (My home is where my Stella is). Stella Artois is also brewed in Abbotsford, Melbourne by Carlton & United Beverages for the Australian market under license from InBev. Stella Artois has had a long association with film. Dating back to 1994 (in the UK), the beer has organized a range of events as well as TV sponsorship of Channel 4 films and a website. Most recently the beer brand has adopted the new identity - Studio Artois. Stella Artois has been a primary sponsor of the film festivals at Cannes and Sundance.
See also
- Peeterman Artois, a 4% lager often sold alongside Stella Artois in the UK
- Artois Bock, a 6.2% 'brown' beer to be sold alongside Stella Artois in the UK
References
- ^ Pivovary Staropramen : Stella Artois. Retrieved on 2006-12-10.
