Stella ArtoisvsHeineken Premium Lager

Slightly more colour than Heineken — a proper pale gold. The aroma is clean but almost entirely neutral, grain and not much else. The sip is slightly fuller than you'd expect, with a soft malt sweetness that distinguishes it from the crisper Heineken. Moderate bitterness, nothing assertive. Carbonation is good. The finish is slightly sweet before drying. It's the lager you choose when you want something that feels like a proper pint rather than a refreshment.

The benchmark mainstream premium lager. More carbonated than Stella, slightly thinner in the mouth, with that characteristic slightly hoppy note that makes Heineken instantly recognisable. Clean finish, no sweetness to speak of, the bitterness is the last impression. Less filling than Stella. Better cold in large quantities. The global default for good reason — it's a reliable, honest international lager.