Many brand names are spoken daily without much thought about their origins. Take Stella Artois—what does it mean? Behind the familiar name lies a brewing legacy that spans centuries, rooted in Belgian tradition and craftsmanship.

Why the name and logo of Stella Artois?

Stella Artois: a name shaped by history

The story of Stella Artois dates back to 1366, when the town of Leuven in Belgium was home to a brewery producing traditional beer. This early brewery was likely Den Hoorn, although the first written reference to it only appeared in 1466. Regardless of the exact timeline, this centuries-long heritage laid the foundation for the Stella Artois lager we know today, with its signature low fermentation and refined taste. Both the name and logo reflect this rich historical journey.

The brewery and the hunting horn

Stella Artois’ logo—a star, a hunting horn, and gold embellishments—tells the story of its origins. The phrase "Anno 1366" proudly marks the brewery’s founding year. In medieval Belgium, Den Hoorn served beer to local and visiting hunters, hence the inclusion of a hunting horn in the logo. This emblem not only made the beer recognizable but also symbolised a welcoming stop for hunters. The name "De Hoorn" itself means "horn," possibly referencing the traditional hunting horn used to call dogs, adding another layer of meaning to the design.

A thoughtfully crafted logo

In 1717, Sébastien Artois, a master brewer and former apprentice at Den Hoorn, purchased the brewery. He renamed it Brouwerij Artois, anchoring the brand in Leuven’s brewing heritage. The logo’s architectural features even reflect the city’s historic design elements, demonstrating how nothing was left to chance in its visual identity.

The iconic star, known as "Stella" or the Christmas Star, was added in 1926. That year, Stella Artois was first brewed as a festive beer gift for the people of Leuven. It quickly gained popularity, leading to year-round production. The name “Stella Artois” was born from this moment: “Stella” for the star, and “Artois” to honour its brewer, Sébastien Artois, and his regional roots.

Enjoy Stella Artois with PerfectDraft

Today, the Stella Artois brand continues to be a symbol of Belgian brewing excellence. With PerfectDraft, you can enjoy this historic beer in the comfort of your home. Pour yourself a fresh pint from a 6-litre keg using your PerfectDraft beer tap and savour the smooth, malty character and delicate hop bitterness of Stella Artois lager—crafted through centuries of tradition.

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