Foreign / Export Stout
Credit also goes to Guinness as the original creator of this style—a stronger version of Irish Dry Stout—that was first brewed for export and shipment to far-away countries. The Guinness website lists a “West India Porter,” first brewed in 1801, as a precursor to their modern-day Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, which is now a staple across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Asia, and became available in the United States in 2010.
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout has differing ABV strength and flavor character depending on the country in which is served, with some versions at 5 percent ABV and others that lean more sweet. The U.S. version is a strong 7.5 percent ABV and roasty in character. As such, interpretations vary across of the style available in the United States from other breweries, and several regional craft brewers have their own offerings of this style. Generally dark brown to black in color, its flavor complexities come with the higher gravity, and a smooth mouth-feel delivers an early sweetness, followed by marked roast flavor and bitterness through to the finish. Coffee essences from roasted barley are generally very evident, with dark chocolate and burnt character in some examples.
Color Range:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Malty, Bitter-Sweet, Roasty, Full-bodied |
| Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) Range | 6 – 9% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 30-65 |
| Popular Examples | Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Lion Stout, Coopers Best Extra Stout, Dragon Stout, Pike Brewing XXXXX Extra Stout, Marin San Quentin’s Breakout Stout |
| Serving Temperature | Cellar 55-57° |
| Glassware | Pint or nonic, beer snifter |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Blue Cheese, Dubliner Cheddar |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Shepherd’s pie, steak and raw oysters |
