Beer Style Guide: Get to Know Foreign Extra and Tropical Stout with Em Sauter

Foreign extra stout is rooted in the export market and Colonialism. The tropical stout takes essentially evolved from the same beer style. Many people use foreign extra and tropical interchangeably but there are some noticeable differences between the two styles.

History of Foreign Extra Stout

Guinness released foreign extra stout (or “FES” as it's commonly called and originally called West India Porter) in the early 19th century; part of this beer was aged in wood vats for a time, adding a slight sourness to the beers. This vat process was used in its Dublin facility until the 1950’s (or 1990’s depending on who you talk to). Guinness is very secretive about its brewing so who is to say about their brewing process now. I have heard from brewers in South America that FES that’s brewed there is a lager base with additives from Dublin but I don’t have concrete proof of that. 

The Rise of Tropical Stout

Foreign extra stout became quite popular around the world, especially in warmer climates like the Caribbean and Africa. This popularity gave rise to the tropical stout. Breweries in places like Jamaica started to brew dark foreign extra stout style beers using their house lager yeast but fermenting it warmer than typical lagers and using local ingredients. Both beers are higher ABV (this can vary depending on where you are), very dark and oddly refreshing for the climates. Yes, a stout can be a lager. 

What’s the difference? Tropical stouts are sweeter (more akin to a milk stout) than foreign extra stouts with more fruitiness and less roasty flavor while FES is more bitter. There’s a molasses, coffee and licorice note to both of these beers that’s very pleasant as well. 

These beers are both brewed with pale malt base and dark malts like roasted barley, black patent malt and chocolate malt. They can have sugar added to boost gravity as well. 

Beers to Try

Dragon Stout 

Jamaica’s Dragon Stout is made by the same company known for Red Stripe. It’s the classic flavor of the island and a popular choice. When the weather warms up, reach for a bottle and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how refreshing this beer is. They also make a “Fire” version that is quite high alcohol! Dragon Stout is brewed with brown sugar. 

Lion Stout

A classic tropical stout from Sri Lanka, Lion stout has a loyal following among beer geeks. Not as easy to find in America anymore (at least where I live in New England) but worth seeking out. Smooth for 8.8% ABV. 

Guinness Foreign Extra

The original big beer and one of the most popular beers in the world. The U.S. version is 7.5% (alcohol can vary by country), is easy to find and is not expensive. Great on snow days after shoveling out your car or using it in your cooking- it’s excellent in beef stew.