Very local to us at Casa De Vinos, this bottle comes from Melbourne based distillery Starward. Starward was founded by David Vitale in 2008 after being taught by the legendary Bill Lark—the godfather of Australian whisky. Originally begging life in an old Qantas shed, the Port Melbourne distillery was opened in 2016.

Matured for three years in a still dripping red wine barrel from the Barossa Valley, this bottle is a part of Starward’s core range of single malts.

Nose: Light zesty oranges that have been freshly squeezed. A milk chocolate and fruit nut bar lies underneath. Soft and juicy peaches that are waiting to burst.

Palate: Gentle red wine and red grape flavours burst through. A slight leathery oak flavour with a big rich and viscous mouthfeel. The freshly squeezed orange juice gives way to a lighter more lemony style of citrus.

Finish: Short and soft in the main palate but lingers in the back for a long period before bouncing back with a great grape flavour. Warm mandarins and freshly picked mangos.