I first think of the billboard that Stella produced that said, "It's a chalice, not a glass." They really aspire to be a cut above the rest, and that means that they have to produce a beer that can more then just stand up to other beers. I expect this to be a shining example of what lagers should be. It NEEDS to be better than Batch 19, which was excellent.
Color is a very clear pale yellow. The head creates substantial lacing on the sides with gloppy groupings floating on top. The aroma is a very gentle malt and a little fruit or something. Honestly, it's nothing to write home about.
First sip... a lager. It's a fairly bland lager that that. I know they try to sell their brand as higher class and more for aficionados, but the beer is pretty middle of the road for a lager. It's better than Budweiser, but that's not saying a whole lot. The taste has bits of refined corn and is relatively crisp, as lagers are supposed to be, but it's not special.
A bigger swig reveals a tip-in that is virtually tasteless followed by a carbonation burn across the tongue. The middle is a light malt with a bit of grain - definitely some wheat - shoved in there. The finish brings a slight roast to the malt and a wheat that lingers as the carbonation goes away.
It's not terrible, but it's not great. I would say it's slightly below average for a lager, and I'm sure there will be people out there who disagree, but come on. They could have made something great, and they opted for something that does little more than just compete alongside Miller and Coors.
2.25/5
Stella Artois Premium Lager
Friday, February 21, 2014