On November 6, 2023, De Hoorn Brewery in Leuven marked its centenary with a week of celebratory events. De Hoorn holds historical significance as the birthplace of the first Stella Artois

beer brewed in 1926.

The festivities kicked off with lively parties on Monday and Tuesday evenings, followed by guided factory tours for 1,600 visitors on Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday evening featured a special "beer pairing" dinner at the old brewery, attended by 100 Leuven residents. The week's grand finale took the form of a festive gathering for 800 guests on Friday.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, parent company AB InBev is launching limited-edition Stella Artois cans. Vintage Stella Artois glasses will be used to serve the beer in over 1,000 bars and cafés across Belgium.

Olivier Maillet, director of the Stella Artois Brewery in Leuven, explained, "We aimed to pay homage to the packaging of yesteryear, incorporating the original logo from 1964 and the iconic Stella Artois colors: red, white, and gold."

AB InBev's brewing legacy can be traced back to the 14th century, but Stella Artois came into existence in the early 20th century. The De Hoorn Brewery, located in Vaartkom, Leuven, was established in 1923. It was there, in 1926, that the first Stella Artois was brewed. Production of Stella Artois continued at De Hoorn until the mid-1980s when it shifted to its current home, the Brewery Stella Artois, maintaining the same cherished recipe.

Following the brewery's relocation, the De Hoorn buildings lay vacant until 2012 when seven residents of Leuven revived them. Today, De Hoorn has become a renowned venue for various events, including parties and corporate gatherings.

City Councillor Lalynn Wadera expressed, "AB InBev has evolved from a small enterprise into a globally recognized brewery. The company has always been committed to innovation, embracing advancements in techniques, collaborations, and sustainability. This holds significant importance for Leuven." Photo by  I, Egien, Wikimedia commons.