The Origins of Stella Artois
Historical Background
Stella Artois has a rich history dating back to 1366 when the Den Hoorn brewery was established in Leuven, Belgium. The name combines "Stella" (meaning star in Latin) and "Artois" (from Sebastian Artois, who purchased the brewery in 1717). It wasn't until 1926 that the Stella Artois name was officially adopted.
Primary Production: Leuven, Belgium
The original Stella Artois brewery in Leuven remains the spiritual home and primary production facility of this premium lager. The brewery combines traditional brewing techniques with modern technology, ensuring each bottle maintains its signature taste and quality. Visitors can explore the brewery to learn about the centuries-old brewing process.
Global Production Sites
European Production
- Belgium: Primary facility in Leuven
- UK: Magor Brewery in Wales
- Russia: Multiple facilities through AB InBev partnership
North American Production
- United States:
- Newark, New Jersey
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Los Angeles, California
- Canada: London, Ontario (Labatt Breweries)
Other International Locations
- Australia: Various locations through Carlton & United Breweries
- Brazil: Multiple AB InBev facilities
- China: Several production sites through AB InBev-owned facilities
The Brewing Process
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Source |
|---|---|
| Malted Barley | European suppliers |
| Hops | Traditional European varieties (Saaz and Hallertau) |
| Water | Local sources, treated to match Belgian specifications |
| Yeast | Proprietary strain |
| Maize | Used to lighten the body |
The traditional brewing method follows these steps:
1. Malting
2. Mashing
3. Boiling
4. Fermentation
5. Lagering
6. Filtration
7. Packaging
Quality Control and Standardization
Despite multiple production locations, AB InBev maintains strict quality control measures to ensure consistency across all brewing sites:
- Standardized ingredients
- Identical brewing processes
- Regular quality testing
- Consistent packaging specifications
"Every bottle of Stella Artois is brewed according to the original recipe using the finest natural ingredients." - AB InBev Quality Statement
Environmental Considerations
Modern Stella Artois production facilities emphasize sustainability through:
- Water conservation initiatives
- Renewable energy usage
- Waste reduction programs
- Carbon footprint minimization
For more information about Stella Artois's sustainability efforts, visit their environmental impact page.
Storage and Distribution
Temperature-controlled environments are maintained throughout the distribution chain to preserve the beer's quality. Ideal storage conditions include:
- Temperature: 3-7°C (37-45°F)
- Protection from direct sunlight
- Proper humidity levels
- Minimal movement
For more information on Stella Artois and its brewing process, you can visit the official Stella Artois website or explore the history of Belgian beer on Wikipedia.