An old Qantas aircraft hanger, a single wine barrel and a dream is what it took for us to experience that lovely pop, everytime you crack open up a bottle of Starward, or the divine “glug” as you pour the spirit into a glass or even the lush gold and the sweet aromas as it fills up the tumbler.The Starward is a Victorian craft distillery that has since moved to Port Melbourne in their quest to proliferate both locally and globally, acquiring several barrels from the neighbouring wineries that humbly grace the region.

The distillers take great pride in their produce, taking advantage of the state’s rich wine culture and its mildly temperate atypical climate. The differences in temperature and humidity, might be cumbersome to us common folk, but a blissful force that enhances age and character to the whisky as it “breathes” every time the barrel expands and contracts as a result of these subtle changes.

The Starward Nova is made with ingredients sourced both locally and in close proximity to the distillery. The expression is aged exclusively in red wine barrels; these in particular, still contain remnants of wine. The casks are not re-charred, something unorthodox, and left as is, only to be poured with the new make spirit, a process called wet filling, which further enhances its influence from the wine and the barrel.

ABV : 41%

Eye : Chestnut Olorroso Sherry | Non Chill Filtered | Natural Colouring

Nose : Caramel, grain and wood, are enveloped in cinnamon, pepper and cardamom. Dried fruits, chocolate and raisins taper with a mildly brine nuance.

Taste : Caramel drizzled over raisins, some ginger, spice and wood. Peaches and honeyed influences, along with some char and cloves.

Finish : Sweet Caramel with dried fruits, and a mild whisper of spice.

The Nova is an enjoyable dram, with a decent plop of complexity and maturity. Good mouth feel with dried fruits, spices and honeyed notes that make it a pleasurable spirit, though not as vibrant. It’s got sufficient breadth and reasonable depth for a whisky that costs around the median price point of what an Aussie whisky would. The longer you let the whisky breathe, the more palatable and aromatic it becomes.

At AUD $100, this is an above average tuple, though short of being outstanding, possibly 4 stars (out of 5)! An enjoyable drink that is worth the pour, showcasing how our wineries (with the meticulous experience of the distiller) have helped evolve the countries’ whisky journey.

Slainte!