Starward Lagavulin Limited Australia Edition Release (2024) 70cl
A very rare Australia Exclusive Release - SOLD OUT from Starward
In a groundbreaking fusion of Australian innovation and Scottish tradition, Starward Distillery has unveiled a tantalizing creation that promises to captivate the palates of whisky aficionados worldwide. This audacious venture, aptly named "Starward X Lagavulin," represents a marriage of two distinct whisky cultures, blending the renowned craftsmanship of Lagavulin, an esteemed Islay distillery, with Starward's adventurous spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavor.
At the heart of this collaboration lies Starward's unwavering dedication to experimentation, evident in their bold decision to finish their signature Australian single malt in casks previously cradling peated Islay whisky. The result? A symphony of flavors that marries the tropical essence of Starward's whisky with the robust, smoky character of Lagavulin's renowned peat.
Picture this: the warm, sun-kissed shores of Australia meeting the rugged, windswept coastline of Islay in a harmonious fusion of terroirs and traditions. Starward's whisky, already distinguished by its maturation in red wine casks, undergoes a transformative journey as it nestles in the depths of Lagavulin casks for a final 18 months. During this period, the whisky undergoes a metamorphosis, absorbing the essence of its newfound surroundings and emerging with a complex interplay of flavors.
Tasting Notes
Nose : The smoke is stronger than I expected. Red fruits, raspberries, bee sting (almonds and honey)
Palate : Smoke is also present here. Red fruits, grapes, grilled pineapple. Then come dry, bitter notes and chocolate. The smoke fades a bit.
Finish : Pleasant. Medium-length, sweet, and with a nice finish.
About Starward
David Vitale grew up in a large Italian family in multicultural Melbourne, well known for its innovative food culture. You could almost say that Melbourne is obsessed with food. David ultimately set his mind on making an Australian whiskey. Since winemakers have already managed to create a piece of the old world in Australia, why shouldn't the same be possible for whiskey? In addition, wine barrels have previously been used to either store or finish whiskey. Of course, David had to try it and after a few attempts he was successful. For its whiskeys, Starward uses Australian malted barley that is fermented with brewer's yeast. It gives the whiskeys a fruity aroma. The wine barrels used for storage are selected very carefully and are always full of aromas. In the final step, the whiskeys are only stored in Melbourne for three years. With arctic winds from the south and dry winds from the desert, Melbourne can experience all four seasons in just one day. Due to the strong temperature differences, the whiskey reacts much faster in the barrel than would be the case in Scotland. As Melbourne is also warmer, the whiskey tends to increase in alcohol content during storage rather than decreasing over time. For the Barossa Valley Single Barrel, Starward customers can choose their own barrel in which the whiskey was stored.
An increasingly popular brand in the west as time goes on
48% ABV
70cl
