It’s been a heck of a year for Australian whisky maker Starward. Back in June, it was named Most Awarded Distillery at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Now, the brand is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the release of a commemorative single malt whisky, Starward Vitalis.
Named after the brand’s founder, David Vitale, Starward Vitalis is a single malt that has been matured in a mix of red wine barrels; tawny Port, Bourbon, first-fill and second-fill Apera casks; and rum barrels.
Vitale said, “It feels like only yesterday when I was inspired by Australia’s farmed wine regions and asked myself the question: ‘Why aren’t people maturing whisky in red wine barrels?’ This is the thought that catapulted Starward into the bold and award-winning distillery it is today. It’s been a wild and white-knuckled ride since then, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. This is why we are so excited to bring Vitalis to the world. To not only celebrate our highs and lows, but to also continue looking forward to the stars and the new horizons for Starward.”
On the nose, chewy toffee gives way to raisins and chocolate-coated pineapples. The palate delivers rich dried fruits, ripe red currants, and hints of lightly toasted coffee beans
Bottled at 52% ABV, Starward Vitalis is priced at £110 ($122 USD). For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
In May, Starward teamed up with Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, Yalumba, to release Octave Barrels single malt. That same month, the brand unveiled the seventh edition of its cult favorite Ginger Beer Cask.
