World whisky—defined by its production outside the classic and traditional production regions—is once again having a moment, and Australia’s Starward is leading much of that growth.
Just this week the Spirits Business reported that sales of world whisky were up 12% at UK retailers, driven almost entirely by Starward’s growth in that market. There’s a reason more and more drinkers are gravitating towards the Melbourne-based brand. Younger, more diverse, more adventurous whisky consumers are moving beyond the standard, stereotypical selections and opening their minds to what lies beyond.
What makes Starward such a superstar, you ask? Much of it has to do with wood selection. With its close proximity to Australia’s famed Yarra Valley wine region, Starward sources high quality casks from the area’s top producers, many of them French oak. It’s an expensive investment in quality of maturation that few young distilleries can afford.
But as Starward founder David Vitale says in our above tasting video, “the proof is in the pudding.”
It only takes one sip of just about any Starward expression to understand both its immense global draw and the impact of those wine casks. The Nova, as an example, is loaded with unctuous red fruits with a chewy suppleness that is far more precocious than its peers. The Solera uses Australian fortified wine casks to mimic the influence of Madeira maturation with candied fruits and viscosity.
While we’ve long been impressed with Starward’s quality, its newest releases have moved the bar even higher for the world whisky standard. Both the Peated and Stout expressions are remarkable achievements for the young distillery, taking Double Gold at last year’s San Francisco Spirits Competition.
In fact, we think they’re so delicious we’re giving newcomers to Starward an incentive to sample the portfolio. While supplies last, buy two of any standard Starward expressions and receive $15 off your choice of the new Peated or Stout edition. Simply add all three to your cart and use the coupon code STARWARD to see the discount.
Check out the details…
Starward Peated Finish Single Malt Whisky $99.99
The new Peated Finish is Starward’s new world take on a classic style, using Starward single malt whisky aged in red wine barrels, then finishing that whisky in peated whisky barrels from Islay. Melded with Starward's quintessential tropical notes and the smoky, earthy flavors from Islay’s coastal peat, the texture of this whisky is utterly remarkable and the peat works beautifully with that sweetness. Think of Laphroaig’s Cairdeas series as a comparison. That’s how delicious this whisky is, and that's why it won a Gold medal at the recent 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Bottled at 48%, it is truly special.
Starward Stout Cask Single Malt Whisky $99.99
Already long sold out from the distillery, Starward’s Stout Cask features its standard wine-matured single malt aged further in coveted imperial stout barrels sourced from a favorite Melbourne neighborhood brewery. This first-of-its-kind single malt whisky is a unique marriage of craft distilling and craft brewing, bringing you a result that's rich, dark, and delicious. Bottled at 52%, the proof is punchy, reinforced by coffee and dark chocolate notes that meld beautifully with the thickness of the malt itself. This whisky was an utter phenomenon down under, and we expect it to sell out just as quickly here in the states.
For a look at our entire Starward selection, click here.