Australian whisky brand Starward has launched a single malt whisky matured in Australian red wine barrels to the UK.
According to its maker, the new whisky, named Starward Nova, introduces a “distinct new style” to the category, which “utilises the unique climate, terroir and raw materials of Australia”.
The barrels, which previously held Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, are filled to retain the “flavour, texture and essence of Australian red wine”.
This proximity allows the team to maximise the flavour of the wine permeated into the oak, lending a vibrant red ochre color to the final liquid.
Elementally matured in Melbourne’s highly diverse climate, the resulting liquid is a “light and fruity whisky with a long and spicy finish”.
David Vitale, founder of Starward Whisky, said: “Starward began with a simple vision: to make a distinctly Australian whisky we could offer the world with pride. It is a genuinely exciting time for the team as we take the next step on our Starward-bound journey in the UK.”
Hagan, director of Axiom Brand, the UK distributor for Starward, added: “New World whisky is such an exciting category right now and we’re thrilled to be working with Starward, a brand that is truly pushing the boundaries of what a whisky can be and bringing a fresh approach to a new generation of whisky drinkers.
“Starward Nova is an accessible whisky made for sharing and mixing, and the fact that it pairs well with food too, opens it up to whole new market both on and off trade.”
Starward suggests serving the new whisky in a Nova & Tonic (recipe below) for summer 2019.
Nova & Tonic
50ml Starward Nova
100ml Light tonic water
Ruby grapefruit wedge
Build in a stemless wine glass or Highball, add ice and stir. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
