Starward whiskey is proudly made in Melbourne, Australia, a city that is renowned for its vibrant food and drink scene. When it comes to whiskey production, Melbourne may not be the first place that comes to mind, but that's what makes Starward truly unique.
The distillery is located in Port Melbourne, just a stone's throw away from the bustling city center. The urban setting of the distillery reflects the spirit of Melbourne itself – a fusion of culture, creativity, and innovation. This proximity to the heart of the city allows the distillers to be inspired by the diverse and dynamic food and drink culture that Melbourne is famous for.
But what sets Starward apart from other whiskeys is not just its location, but the way it is crafted. The team at Starward believes in pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making, and they do so by using Australian ingredients and maturing their whiskies in Australian wine barrels.
You read that right – wine barrels. Instead of the more commonly used bourbon or sherry casks, Starward ages its whiskies in barrels that previously held Australian red wine. This unique approach imparts distinct flavors and characteristics to the whiskey, resulting in a truly Australian spirit.
The use of wine barrels is not just a gimmick, but a deliberate choice to showcase the flavors and qualities of Australian wine and the impact it can have on whiskey production. The climate in Melbourne is perfect for producing bold and flavorful red wines, and these barrels bring that same richness and complexity to the whiskey.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Starward distillery and witnessing the whiskey-making process firsthand. The aroma of the malted barley, the copper stills gleaming in the sunlight, and the sound of the whiskey aging in the barrels – it was a sensory experience like no other.
During the tour, I learned that Starward sources its barley from local Australian farmers, supporting the community and ensuring the highest quality ingredients. The barley is then malted and mashed on-site, creating the foundation for the whiskey. The fermentation process takes place in wooden fermentation vessels, adding another layer of complexity to the final product.
Once the whiskey has been distilled, it is transferred to the Australian wine barrels for maturation. The climate in Melbourne, with its distinct seasons and temperature fluctuations, accelerates the aging process, allowing the whiskey to develop rich flavors in a relatively short amount of time.
The result is a range of whiskies that are bold, flavorful, and uniquely Australian. Whether it's the flagship Starward Solera, with its notes of red fruit and caramel, or the limited-edition releases that showcase the influence of different wine varietals, each bottle of Starward tells a story of Melbourne and its vibrant culinary scene.
Starward whiskey is not just a product of Melbourne, it is a reflection of the city itself – a city that embraces innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence. So the next time you sip on a glass of Starward, you can be transported to the streets of Melbourne, where the food is exceptional, the drinks are inventive, and the whiskey is truly one-of-a-kind.