Firstly lets not get into a debate about the whole Stella thing, I like it and it's pretty much the only larger i'll drink. I've been buying it for years now and I always get the 568ml cans but today I have been presented with something different. The cans are the same size but different design and the percentage is only 5.0% instead of the 5.2% i'm used to. I know Artois have released a 4.0% version but this isn't that, i've looked around and can find nothing about this, they are both still brewed in the UK.

What's happening?

I present to you exhibit a and b, a is the new cans I have got today and b is the cans i've been used to for years now.

Exhibit a)

http://img177.imagevenue.com/img.php...9_122_43lo.JPG
http://img138.imagevenue.com/img.php..._122_801lo.JPG

Exhibit b)

http://img226.imagevenue.com/img.php..._122_182lo.JPG
http://img129.imagevenue.com/img.php..._122_630lo.JPG

Stella are the worst for changing their weights and figures to get a better profit (least I assume this is why they do it) - every time I look it's different sized bottle measurement or a different number of bottles in the box - is this maybe an extension of that? I know the stuff they offer on tap in pubs is a lower % (sneaky goits) maybe by going over the 5% mark they hit a different tax band?

I wonder if all shop bought Stella has changed over, or if it's just the pint size cans. Anyway, boo Stella for yet again screwing around.

Try some other lagers. There are loads of them out there. Honestly.

Nasty beer globalists InBev, makers of Stella Artois, are trying to address the image problem of Stella and repeat the success of their Becks Vier with a 4% Stella.

Weaker versions are aimed at health conscious drinkers.

InBev ruin every brand they take over.

I avoid InBev products and much prefer quality brews, Budweiser Budvar for example.

I quite like Budweiser Budvar (Czech). Better than the US Bud anyway
I've never seen the "exhibit a" cans before, interesting...

Thanks for the replys, i'll see if I notice any difference in taste when I crack one open in a while.

i've been to leuven where stella hq is and believe me the stella there is nothing like it is here, it's amazing

thats about true for any beer / lager brewed under license here

Anyone who drinks Stella that is made in the UK should be confined to life on their sofa in the front garden with the pitbull

There's just no excuse, Stella brewed in Belgium is widely available in the UK (unless you deign to shop for your plonk at supermarkets, in which case, your an idiot) and tastes an awful lot better

Then again, its one of my average drinks is Stella but I wouldn't touch the UK stuff if it was free

I buy my booze at the Supermarket, not sure that makes me an idiot. There are some great beers available now at Supermarkets thanks very much.

yes how is one a idiot for buying beer at the supermarket ? where should i be buying it from the brewery ?

Either that or buying it at specialist shops for double the price a supermarket does it.

Never been keen on Stella.
But when i was in France (Never been to Belgium) it was bloody lovely.

And what did you think? I bought some tonight and drank the 5.2% back to back with the 5%. IMHO, the 5% tasted like someone had added lemonade to it.. It's that bad I'm thinking that I may change brands..

Believe me, InBrew should be quaking in their boots