Starward Nova Australian Single Malt Whisky

Starward Nova hails from Melbourne, Australia, a product of the Starward distillery founded in 2007 by David Vitale. This isn't an old classic, but rather a modern Australian single malt whisky that has rapidly gained international acclaim, known for its innovative approach of maturing exclusively in Australian red wine barrels. These barrels, often sourced from nearby wineries and sometimes still wet with Shiraz, Cabernet, or Pinot Noir, impart distinctive fruity notes and a vibrant colour to the spirit. The brand is recognized for embracing Melbourne's fluctuating climate – dubbed "elemental maturation" – which accelerates the aging process, allowing them to create a complex whisky in a relatively short period, often around three "Melbourne years".

Starward Nova, matured in Australian red wine casks, offers bright red fruit and a subtle, vinous quality. It brings a jammy, red berry character to cocktails, shining in an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, and also works well in sours or a highball.

Imagine bright red berries and a hint of orchard fruit on the nose, leading to a palate rich with red berry pudding, vanilla, and a touch of caramel spice. The experience concludes with a balanced, soft, and long finish where sweetness gently fades, leaving a lingering fruity character and a whisper of oak.