Foreign-style stouts are the stouts that are produced anywhere outside the British archipelago. In Ireland, a foreign stout is any stout brewed outside of that country. High-gravity stouts were originally produced for the tropical markets, after which they became known as “tropical stouts”. The same name was given to some export versions of sweet or dry strong stout.

Usually, the stout has a black or dark brown color. As for the sweetness or dryness of the drink, the export stout is often moderately dry, as opposed to tropical stout, which is quite sweet.

The tropical version has a mild flavor, may be a little bitter, and often has many fruit esters. The export version has a brighter taste of roasted grains. These drinks are bitter and often contain fewer esters. Both types have a similar flavor of chocolate, coffee, or roasted grains.