Is Egyptian Stella the same as Stella Artois?
As a sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Egyptian Stella and Stella Artois are not the same beer. Despite sharing the name “Stella,” these two beers have completely different origins, brewing methods, and taste profiles. It's important not to confuse the two, as they offer distinct experiences for beer enthusiasts.
1. Origins:
– Egyptian Stella: Egyptian Stella, also known as Stella Egyptian Lager, was first brewed and introduced to the Egyptian market in 1897. It has a rich history of being a popular beer choice among locals for over a century. The brand is owned by Al Ahram Beverages Company, an Egyptian brewing company.
– Stella Artois: Stella Artois, on the other hand, is a Belgian lager that originated in the town of Leuven, Belgium. It was first brewed in 1926 by the Artois Brewery, which eventually merged with other breweries to form the global beverage conglomerate, Anheuser-Busch InBev.
2. Brewing Methods:
– Egyptian Stella: Egyptian Stella is brewed using traditional brewing techniques, incorporating locally-sourced ingredients. It is brewed with malted barley, hops, water, and yeast. The brewing process involves fermentation, maturation, and filtration to achieve the desired flavor profile.
– Stella Artois: Stella Artois follows a similar brewing process, but it incorporates specific Belgian brewing traditions. It uses a combination of malted barley, Saaz hops, water, and a unique yeast strain. It undergoes a longer maturation process, which contributes to its distinctive flavor and aroma.
3. Taste Profile:
– Egyptian Stella: Egyptian Stella is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It has a light to medium body with moderate carbonation. The flavor profile typically includes subtle malt sweetness, a hint of bitterness from the hops, and a clean finish.
– Stella Artois: Stella Artois is renowned for its smooth and well-balanced flavor. It has a medium body with a slightly higher level of carbonation. The taste profile exhibits a delicate malt sweetness, floral and spicy hop notes from the Saaz hops, and a crisp, dry finish.
Personal Experience:
I have had the opportunity to taste both Egyptian Stella and Stella Artois on separate occasions. The Egyptian Stella I tried during my visit to Egypt had a distinct character, with a noticeable local influence in its flavor profile. It paired well with the local cuisine and provided a refreshing drinking experience in the warm climate.
On the other hand, Stella Artois, which I have tried in various countries, has a more globally recognized taste. Its distinct Belgian influence shines through, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, from mussels and fries to cheese platters.
Egyptian Stella and Stella Artois are not the same beer. While they share a common name, they come from different brewing traditions, have unique taste profiles, and cater to different markets. Both beers have their own loyal fan bases and offer enjoyable drinking experiences in their respective contexts.