Crystal Sophistication: Swarovski Adds Sparkle to Stella Artois Limited-Edition Crystal Chalice

05 Dec 2013 --- Stella Artois was first brewed as a holiday gift to the people of Leuven, Belgium. In time, its popularity prompted Stella Artois brewers to make the beer available year-round. However, every year the brand pauses to honor its holiday origins, and to honor the fans that have made Stella Artois the world's best-selling Belgian beer.

This year, that commemoration has taken the form of a limited-edition Crystal Chalice, designed by Stella Artois and adorned with Swarovski elements. A select number of Crystal Chalices are now available in a variety of countries worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Brazil, China and Canada.

Stella Artois introduced the Crystal Chalice via festive window installations and holiday celebrations in New York City and London.

"We are in pursuit of the perfect Stella Artois experience," said Debora Koyama, Vice President of Global Marketing, Stella Artois. "Our time-honored nine-step pouring ritual provides the optimal manner in which to pour a Stella Artois, and our custom-designed Chalice optimizes the beer's unique flavor profile. Now, with our partners at Swarovski, we have crafted a gorgeous, limited-edition holiday Chalice, the ultimate expression of the care and craftsmanship that goes into every Stella Artois we brew."

Crystal Chalices are available for purchase for consumers 21 and older at Fancy at an estimated retail price of $500. Adorned with shimmering Swarovski elements, the Crystal Chalice pays homage to six centuries of Belgian brewing heritage. Each Crystal Chalice is hand-blown and features a classically chic platinum rim.

"Swarovski was delighted to collaborate with Stella Artois on this exciting project, adding sparkle with our crystals to the limited edition Crystal Chalice," said Silvia Bernardini, Vice President of Sales & Operations, Europe South & North Africa, Swarovski.

Bespoke glasses are a very Belgian tradition. In Belgium, beers tend to be enjoyed in glasses that were crafted specifically for them. The Chalice's curved shape helps release the aromas of Stella Artois, for example. Its star stem helps connoisseurs keep their beer colder.

Creating the Crystal Chalice was a global endeavor, involving artisans in several countries. Each Chalice was hand-blown in Turkey. They were then sent to Austria, where Swarovski added the precious stones. They were then sent to more than 30 markets worldwide, where they are now available for sale.