#15 STARWARD
Red wine cask maturation, with an elegant twist.
An Australian single malt matured in a fresh Barossa Valley red wine cask made from French oak. Floral, fruity and beautifully spiced. Just 312 bottles.
THE CASK DETAILS
AUSTRALIAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY
Only 312 bottles created
Cask: Fresh Red Wine Barrique - French Oak
Distilled: 27/08/2018
Bottled: 15/10/2024
54% ABV / 50CL
Non-chill filtered and no caramel colouring (ever!)
WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?
FLAVOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Cherry blossom
- Strawberry laces
- Sticky toffee pudding
- Creamy macadamia
- Blackcurrant leaf
TASTING DEEPDIVE
This cask opens with floral elegance and bright red fruit - cherry blossom, strawberry laces and a subtle leafy freshness. As it develops, richer notes of sticky toffee pudding and creamy macadamia emerge, bringing warmth and texture. The French oak adds gentle spice and structure throughout, giving the whisky a long, poised finish that feels indulgent yet refined.
IS THIS YOUR KIND OF WHISKY?
Love red wine cask whiskies but prefer a little spice and structure alongside the fruit?
Expect strawberry laces, cherry blossom and sticky toffee pudding, with gentle spice and a lovely long finish.
PART OF THE HEART CUT RARITIES
Some casks are simply too special to pass up.
Our Rarities collection brings together exceptional single casks and small batches that stand out for their character, their story and how difficult they would be to find again.
MUSIC TO SIP TO
Enjoying a dram by yourself whilst relaxing after a long day? Sharing the bottle with a few friends? Whatever the occasion, stick THIS playlist one to make that dram taste that little bit better.
Tax included
WHY WE CHOSE THIS CASK
We've always been fascinated by just how much difference the type of oak makes to a whisky.
And this Starward cask is a perfect example.
While our American oak Starward is all juicy berries and creamy vanilla, this French oak release brings something a little different.
Cherry blossom, strawberry laces, warming spice and a beautifully structured finish.
It's elegant without losing any of that wonderful Starward generosity. And we couldn't resist sharing the two very different sides of this distillery.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
For this cask, we’ve gone with one of our favourite Edinburgh breweries - Newbarns - and their West Coast Keller IPA. With just the right balance of spice and fruit, it’s the perfect canvas for this whisky to shine. The beer’s hoppy brightness lifts the dram’s floral and spicy notes beautifully.
Looking for a High/Low pairing? Try Below Brew Co’s Forgot to Take My Pils - a juicy, crisp, hoppy pilsner that clocks in at just 0.5% ABV but still packs serious flavour.
And music! Here's a playlist of tunes to sip to.
THE DISTILLERY IN 60 SECONDS
Starward Distillery was founded in Melbourne in 2007 with a clear mission: to make whisky that reflects its place. By using red wine barrels sourced just hours away and embracing Melbourne’s dramatic climate, Starward create whiskies that mature boldly and develop intense fruit character.
We chose this cask because it highlights the influence of French oak and fresh red wine on Starward’s spirit - adding elegance, spice and structure to their signature fruit-forward style.
Just 312 bottles.
One individual cask. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
NOT SURE THIS IS THE ONE?
Answer a few questions and we’ll match you to the right bottle. Or try a pocket pour of this one first.
