Starward Australian Whisky announces its limited peated cask finish release to date. The brand has sourced with the renowned Lagavulin Distillery, sourcing peated Scotch whisky barrels to create a new offering.
In a first for Starward, the brand’s signature red wine barrel matured Single Malt Australian whisky was finished for a further 18 months in Lagavulin barrels. One of the oldest distilleries on Islay, Lagavulin is situated along the coast of the Scottish island.
The Starward team had the unique opportunity to visit the Lagavulin Distillery on Islay, experiencing firsthand the impact of the island’s landscape and climate on their whisky’s character. “My earliest inspiration for Starward was to create a deliciously distinctive whisky, and while we certainly hit that brief with our red wine barrel matured whisky, what whisky better epitomizes distinctively delicious than Lagavulin?” said Starward Australian Whisky Founder David Vitale. “Sourcing these barrels to create this exciting expression gives us a magical moment to celebrate the very best of Australian curiosity and Scottish tradition. I’ve always been inspired by Islay; so much so that we named our daughters Islay.”
A collision of Urban Melbourne and the Islay Coast, Starward’s aging process begins with its red wine barrels, where the spirit absorbs the notes of red fruit and vanilla for 3 years. It is then transferred into the Lagavulin peated Scotch whisky barrels for 18 months. The marriage of these barrels is a beautiful showcase of the effect of maturation in crafting a 96 proof whisky.
Presented in a bespoke box, Starward Single Malt Australian Whisky Finished in ex-Lagavulin Barrels (see below) will retail for $130. As it will only be available exclusively via ballot selection, Consumers 21+ are encouraged to sign up here today (March 27) for a chance to acquire the expression, beginning April 15. Following the ballot, it will be available in limited quantities at fine spirits retailers around the U.S.
