Stella Artois Brewery

Stella Artois Brewery History

The origins of the Stella Artois brewing company can be found to dated tax papers from 1366, and began in the town of Louvain (Leuven), Belgium. The brewery was called "Den Hoorn" (Dutch for "The Horn") which is still illustrated on the Stella label. In 1708, Sebastien Artois won the coveted title of Master Brewer of Den Hoorn, and the name Artois was forever associated with the town of Louvain and the brewery. After producing a exceptionally clear beer during a traditional annual Christmas brew in 1926, the batch was named "Stellafrom," Latin for "star," and was so popular that it was produced year-round. Thus the full name Stella Artois was born and first brewed here.

The remaining past of this particular brewery is unclear, but it is assumed the company needed to expand to a newer facility, which can be found operating very close by. Scrappers had started to enter the old site and strip out the valuable copper and other metals, resulting in the sealing of any entrances. It was later purchased by local entrepreneurs around 2011 and work began on creating event halls and a pop-up restaurant and bar. More information can be found at dehoorn.eu.

Stella Artois still sells its bottom-fermented pilsner lager, and is one of the most internationally recognized pilsners from Belgium. The company's official website is http://www.stella-artois.com.