Quote Originally Posted by boost
stella is NOT a premium belgian lager. Its an export that is sold at a premium price because its "exotic." Its like budweiser or mgd over there. Take note that Im not likening the flavor and quality to these beers, but instead pointing out its standing amongst belgian beers.
Ummmm... Yes it IS a premium lager.

There is no legal definition of the term premium lager and it certainly does NOT refer to quality. It's a marketing term. If you look on a bottle of Stella it says it right there on the label. Premium Lager Beer. By calling it a premium lager one is using a licensing trade colloquialism which has certain implications in terms of strength and price. I certainly wasn't comparing its standing to other Belgian beers.

Stella Artois is a relatively strong, relatively expensive continental lager. Hence it's known in the licensing trade outside of Belgium as a premium lager.