Stella Artois

Stella Artois is a Belgian-style pale lager listed here at 5.0% ABV and 24 IBU, a pairing of numbers that tells you most of what to expect: moderate strength and a bitterness level that sits in the background rather than at the front of the palate. Lagers in this style typically show a clean, pale-gold appearance, a soft grainy malt sweetness reminiscent of fresh bread or cracker, and a light herbal or floral hop note from European noble-type hops. At 24 IBU the bitterness is there mainly to keep the finish dry and balanced, so expect a short, crisp close rather than a lingering hop bite. That restrained profile makes it a flexible table beer. The gentle malt and carbonation handle fried and salty food well: fish and chips, calamari, french fries, and pretzels all work, as do mussels steamed in white wine or a plain roast chicken. Mild cheeses such as young Gouda or Havarti suit it, and so do salads with a light vinaigrette. Very spicy dishes and heavily smoked meats will overpower a lager of this weight, so it is better kept alongside simpler preparations where the beer's clean finish can refresh the palate between bites. Serve it cold, around 38 to 42°F (3 to 6°C), which is the range where lagers of this type taste crisp without the chill masking the subtle malt and hop character. Much colder and the delicate aromatics disappear; much warmer and the sweetness can read as flat. For glassware, a stemmed chalice or a tall, tapered pilsner glass is the better choice. Pour at an angle, straighten the glass as it fills to build a finger or two of white foam, and the wide mouth or flared rim will gather the grainy, lightly floral aromas.