A little background
Starward Australian Single Malt Finished in Lagavulin Barrels is a limited-release whisky that combines Australian red wine barrel maturation with an 18-month finish in peated Scotch barrels from Scotland’s Lagavulin Distillery.
Starward is an Australian distillery known for its innovative approach to single malt whisky, utilizing locally sourced ingredients and unique maturation techniques influenced by Melbourne’s variable climate. This expression begins with a mash bill of 100% malted barley, fermented and distilled into a vibrant spirit that is initially matured in Australian red wine barrels. It is then finished for an additional 18 months in barrels sourced directly from Lagavulin Distillery on Islay, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries renowned for its iconic peated single malt Scotch whisky, which imparts a maritime influence through meticulous craftsmanship.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Dark Gold
Nose
Peat smoke, iodine, honeyed malt, red cherries, apple, honey crisp.
Palate
Smoke, salted caramel, cherry, strawberry, pineapple, peach, vanilla, and clove spice.
Finish
Lingering smoke, iodine, black pepper, ginger, pineapple, oak.
In closing
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Starward Whisky. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
Starward Australian Single Malt Finished In Lagavulin Barrels
The Good
- Satisfying finish
- Unique flavors
The Bad
- A bit expensive
- Some might not like the smoke
