Belgian Beauty (Stella Artois)

Member Name: Ric!

Product:	Stella Artois
Date:	23/05/02 (3166 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Taste, Gets You Drunk

Disadvantages: Pricey

Just as I was starting to write this opinion, I noticed that the category information at the top states that is for Stella Artois, 6.5% alcohol, brewed in Belgium. Well, please forgive me if this is in the wrong category, but I will be writing about Stella Artois, 5.2% alcohol and brewed under licence in the UK. Incidentally, I didn't realise until I just read the side of the can that it is distibuted by the Whitbread Beer Company,..... fascinating. I didn't even know that Stella Artois was available in a 6.5% strength variety. However, I can say that I HAVE drunk Stella in Belgium and it tasted much the same as the UK brewed version.

Firstly, let me explain why this opinion may be lacking in certain areas. I'm drunk, well very tipsy, and I make no apologies for that. What better way to write a consumer review than when you are actually using the product?

Okay, so my girlfriend's on call tonight, and I've got the house to myself. I've had a hard day at work today, and I've got to be in early tomorrow. So, I had one beer, which lead to another, which lead to the third, all on an empty stomach. It's not even 7:30pm yet, and I feel in a silly mood (hey, come on, I'm a light-weight!).

Why do I happen to have Stella Artois in my house? Well, the only two beers I ever buy to keep at home are Stella Artois and Grolsch. They are the only two which really are my favourites (which prevents me from writing an opinion in the 'My 5 favourite beers' section).

So, here's the bit which you could have found out from the UK web site at www.stella-artois.co.uk , but which you are going to find out from me instead;

Stella Artois can trace its history back to the year 1366. Census information in Belgium shows the presence of a small brewery called 'The Horn' or 'Den Horen'. It was in 1717 that Sebastian Artois became the owner of this brewery. He produced Stella Art
ois as a limited edition Christmas beer. It proved so popular that the line was continued. So, you can see why, even today, the Stella Artois emblem contains a horn (from the original brewery 'The Horn') and a star (a Christmas Star).

Stella Artois was first imported to the UK in 1926 in bottles, and was only available in draught form in the country in 1971.

What makes it so special? Well, I haven't got a clue. They only way I can think to describe it is that it has a 'full flavour'. When I have the mis-fortune to have to drink Fosters or Kronenburg, I always feel that there something taste-wise that is lacking in these drinks compared to Stella Artois. Stella is brewed from hops and barley, including the Bohemian Saas hops, which allegedly account for some of its flavour. Apparantly, Stella Artois is brewed for 6-11 days longer than other beers, which also adds to its flavour.

Something else I learnt tonight from the website is that Stella Artois should be served at 6-8 degrees centigrade to appreciate its flavour and qualities to the full. Right, I'm off to reset my fridge which is currently set to 4 degrees... hold on..... be back in a moment......

Okay, all done. I'm still drinking, and it's still very good.

Why not take a visit to www.stella-artois.co.uk where you can find out information about their 'Reassuringly Expensive' advertising campaign, and even sign up to their newsletter for all the latest information about the product.

On to the pricing. Well, I never buy it full price. If you wait, you'll find that Sainsbury's will periodically have very good offers on for Stella. At these sort of prices there's no point spending the petrol driving to the ferry, paying the fare and buying it abroad. So, let me tell you about typical full-price figures:

(the below prices are the current prices are www.tesco.com)

Stella Artois 6x
330ml Bottles £4.99 (£1.44/PINT)
Stella Artois 24 X 330ml Bottle £20.99 (£1.51/PINT)
Stella Artois 10x330ml Bottles £9.99 (£1.73/PINT)
Stella Artois 66cl Bottle £1.75 (£1.51/PINT)
Stella Artois Bottle 1 Litre £2.99 (£1.7/PINT)
Stella Artois Lager 4x440ml Can £3.98 (£1.29/PINT)
Stella Artois 12 X 440ml Cans £9.98 (£1.08/PINT)
Stella Artois 24 X 440ml Cans £16.98 (£0.914/PINT)
Stella La Grande Biere 4 X 568ml Can £4.83 (£1.21/PINT)
Stella Artois 10 X 25cl Bottles £5.95 (£1.36/PINT)
Stella Artois 20 X 25cl Bottles £8.49 (£0.965/PINT)

What I love about the cans is that they are not just flat rounded metal, but the emblem is actually pressed onto the can, giving a sensual pleasure to the fingers as you feel the can, as well as a flavoursome heaven as you taste the cold beauty of Stella Artois.

Public house and bar prices are slightly less pleasing on the eye. Expect to pay around £2.50 for a pint, and often more.

Okay, I feel I've said enough. Enjoy your night in on dooyoo, and why not have a beer as well?

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