We can trace the origins of Foreign Extra Stout back to 1801. Originally brewed to withstand long journeys, the use of higher gravity and more hops resulted in a bold tasting beer with a complex flavour profile.

History & heritage

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is a beer born of a thirst for adventure, tracing its origins back to a recipe for our West India Porter, first set out by Arthur Guinness II in 1801. In the early 1800s, while other breweries were content to stay close to home, we struck out into unchartered territories, braving the perils of sea travel to export our famous black beer across the globe. Brewed with more hops to preserve the beer in the ships’ holds during voyages of four-to-five weeks in tropical climes, the recipe yielded a powerful drink with a complex, fruity and bittersweet flavour.

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout - the beer that has travelled the world.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Strong, with pronounced fruity and roast character.

Flavour: A full-bodied palate of roast, fruity character.

Palate: Initial tingling impact, bittersweet leading to a dry finish.

ABV: 7.5%

Appearance: A rich dark liquid with a frothy head.