BEER OF THE WEEK

Stella Artois, even if the Vikings stole it...

The Belgians know their beer and Stella is their biggest import. Here is a little history lesson on Stella courtesy of Wikipedia...

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.

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.

I have been a big fan of Stella ever since I was kidnapped by a small group of Belgian four fingered midgets back in the year 2003. They violated me with their laughs and their lager and forced me to drink hundreds if not thousands of ounces of their delicious beer till I couldn't see straight. I became one with the Stella that night although I still have a serious phobia regarding Belgian four fingered midgets.

On the Fairchild beer scale I give it a solid 8. Nothing spectacular, but it gets the job done and I have a real fear that those dickhead little Belgians will come back and find me and make me drink more if I don't at least give it a B-. So drink one up today or better yet make a trip to Belgium to indulge in the home country flavor. Have a good weekend bitches!