I love it when at random you see an email that has the subject line New Release labelled on it!! Within a few clicks of the mouse, a debit notification, 3 days of logistics, a knock, and a rip (the cardboard box) later, the Starward’s second Octave release stood on the top of my table. Aussie whiskies naturally tend to gravitate towards sherry casks, knowing the bounty of wineries in and around, giving them the opportunity to pick from a variety of casks that wineries use to age their wines. The many indigenous wines and the influence it leaves on their casks allows distillers to layer each of their whiskies differently; more so when used in conjunction with several casks.
The Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family owned winery at Barossa valley, and the few that leverage Octave casks for maturation. Octave casks in itself are unique, smaller in size, around a fraction of a sherry butt, 100 litres and handcrafted at the Yalumba cooperage. The smaller size provides a higher wood to whisky surface ratio, imparting a lot more flavours while also fastening the maturation process.
The distillery uses a combination of virgin Octave casks and those that have been charred, introducing layers to the outgoing spirit. The expression fuses the best of both worlds, and bears the Octave name proudly across its labelling with the fairly large “O” doused in shades of wine red. The whisky does not bear an age statement, but contains spirits that are aged five years more than their first release.
ABV : 48%
Eye : Tawny
Nose : Caramel and dried fruits, creme brulee, strawberry marshmallows with hints of milk chocolate. There’s a bit of wood, some wood stain, carbon, and spicy nuances from cinnamon sticks.
Taste : Deep sweetness emanating from brown sugar with fruity notes – there’s peaches, raisins and hints of lychee. Charred melons, and marshmallows, strawberries, raspberries, and vanilla shortcake. The sweetness begins to taper with hints of star anise, and oak with spiced nuances.
Finish : Medium to Long |Caramel intertwined with spice, buttercream with mild black licorice.
The Octave is drenched in red wine, blessed with depth and sandwiched between layers of rich sweetness. The expression is crisp, with a great mouth feel; it’s straightforward and so uncomplicated. There are dried fruits, marshmallows, and fruity influences all elaborating with time and packaged with a sprinkle of spice. Such a pleasurable dram that risks falling into desert territory, very comforting and nonchalant. At the same time, an area of criticism if you don’t like your juice sweet.
At AUD $150, it is pricey but a lovely concoction that will get you off your bottom and have you dash to the bottle-o, even more so should you fancy them sweet. Starward has been in the art of mixing things up and this experiment has proved them in the right. A nice digestive to bring an end to a well worked day, or just one to calm the nerves while you relax watching the telly!
Slainte!
