Beer Review – Stella Artois Midnight Lager
A brewery with a history that dates back nearly 100 years has ventured out from its popular Pilsner with a limited-edition dark lager. In time for the holidays, Stella Artois has introduced Midnight Lager, a 5.4% ABV beer that’s available in 12oz bottle, 6-packs.
We were recently sent a few bottles to sample from Stella Artois’s marketing firm. Unlike its more recognized counterpart, the Belgian brewed Pale Lager, its Midnight Lager is brewed here in the U.S. at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Baldwinsville, New York.
Released for the upcoming holidays, Midnight Lager pours a dark, jet black with a brown frothy head from a 12oz bottle. This appearance is the result of the beer’s use of roasted dark malts that are quite evident in the aroma of the dark lager. The beer’s roasty qualities bring forth dark chocolate and coffee notes on the palate that is balanced by the use of Herkules and Saaz hops. In all a decent, drinkable black lager that will be easy to locate at many mass merchants and larger grocery stores.
“Stella Artois was originally brewed as a holiday gift for the town of Leuven in Belgium, so we know a thing or two about the holiday season and wanted to give a new gift to our consumers,” said Lara Krug, VP, Stella Artois, in a statment. “The rich taste of Stella Artois Midnight Lager along with the deep, warm notes perfectly complements the cold crisp weather and will be the brew worth toasting with this holiday season. We’re excited to kick off our holiday spirit a little early this year on Halloween in Sleepy Hollow!”
According the brewery, Midnight Lager pairs best with pork roast, brisket, or grilled steak, as well as root vegetables and even sweet, nutty cheeses like fresh goat or gouda. For a sweet ending, pair with decadent chocolate desserts.
Midnight Lager is a limited-edition dark lager that is currently available in 12oz bottle, six-packs.
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.
I found this midnight lager to be very tasty but not too heavy. Much like a Guinness in color and richness (even the head is nice) but a slightly sweeter flavor. I think it’s a nice holiday treat of a beer to be shared with friends! I hope it returns next holiday season! I’m a fan!
I agree. At the first taste I thought Guinness.
I do not understand the name. Dark lager? I would call it a stout.
A stout is an ale.
Even though it is brewed in America it is only 11.2 oz Budwiser is cheating everyone out of two bottles in every case. This beer has the spritz nasty lingering aftertaste that one gets from Budweiser and almost all US brewed beers. I suspect from all the additives added to all the crappy beer brewed in the USA. Where no one has to and no one does list the many many ingredients. CRAP BREW
I think this beer is lame. I like stella a, but this tastes like a weak beer with charcoal added. Bud stay out of it.
Just as drinking from a can instead of a bottle can make the difference in taste, so does drinking from a glass. I usually drink beer in a drinking glass but this, as well as Spaten Optimator, is better from the bottle.
This is a beer for people who know what they like. It’s a perfect nighttime/closer beer. Love it. Will buy it till it runs out and again when it comes back. Thank you Stella – ABV. Budweiser knows how to make good beers when they want. Someday all the hop stupid baby wannabe hipsters will grow up and their tastes will change as their tattoos fade. Cheers till then !
This is a beer for people who know what they like. It’s a perfect nighttime/closer beer. A proper glass is a must ! Love it. Will buy it till it runs out and again when it comes back. Thank you Stella – ABV. Budweiser knows how to make good beers when they want. Someday all the hop stupid baby wannabe hipsters will grow up and their tastes will change as their tattoos fade. Cheers till then !
As much fun with this one as I used to have with Michelob Classic Dark before they inexplicably quit making that. I hope this one stays, and that Classic Dark comes back.
Bought this at local grocery store on super closeout in early May. Bought one 12-pack for $9.98, went home, tried one bottle, and quickly went back and got four more 12-packs. Love it!
I love the midnight larger, and unlike most beers, its taste remains consistent even though the temperature increases. The sad part is that my tastebuds wants more and it’s no longer on the shelves!!! Please continue production!!?cheers ?
I would like to know where can I go and purchase this beer. I live in Norfolk Virginia.
Encore… Encore
Very satisfying dark lager
Tried it, lived it, found on sale… became a hoarder. Shame on me (but I do share!)
Great beer, smooth flavours of chocolate & coffee…. a nice change from the ordinary. It looks like a stout; but that is is not; just a really good dark lager. Even though it is only 5.4%; I get a little buss after a couple.
Hi, How would this compare to Heineken Dark that is no longer available in The U.S.?
A good darling lager. Not the best, not the worst, but a good one.
A little disappointed that all of the advertising proclaims “12 oz Bottles” when all that is available near me I s the 11.2 oz bottles for the same price.
Presented with two bottles from a friend.
I would place this lager amongst the better commercial dark lagers, ahead of Modello and leaves Guinness Black lager in the spittoon.
Most pronounced note on judging was the strong surfer/cabbage aroma associated with certain lager yeasts. I do not penalize the beer for this, but I think it might be vanquished with a diacetyl rest at slightly above lager temps. Very nice toothpick head with prolific lacing.
Paired one with a green Chile (Hatch) cheese burger, great combo. It’s not often I don’t pick apart commercial beers, primarily as I’m in my 4th decade of home brewing. A win for Baldwinsville. Like most large brewers, the source of water is domestic supply. Baldwinsville/ Syracuse has a good analysis record, I checked, though as a home brewer I prefer to not introduce chlorine and fluoride.
Retired AHA hombrew judge director.
Just too Yummy
this needs to become year round
Earlier in the Fall I had seen this beer advertised, but could not find it…. TILL YESTERDAY ! Bought a six pack and by the third sip I was sold. I prefer lighter Lagers and session brews most of the time, with Octoberfest and Porters thrown into the mix in the Fall and Winter. This is a winner in my book and will find room in my fridge among my other favorites.
Seeing as how I like Modelo Negro I am hoping this goes well with my Super Bowl 55 fare
To the makers of this great beer is one of my top 10 Metal del negro Is one of my top drinks But to drink this beer is similar or better Thank you for creating it