Starward Whisky’s New ‘Australian-First’ is a Malt Spirit for Wine Lovers

• Port Melbourne distillery Starward Whisky has released a ‘Co-Ferment Grape x Malt Australian Spirit’.
• The new malted spirit comprises equal parts freshly crushed Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and malted barley wash.
• Priced at AUD$139, the ‘Australian-first’ spirit is available exclusively via ballot, which opens on Wednesday, April 23.

As its name may suggest, Starward Whisky is no stranger to boldly going where few others have gone before. From innovative takes on the traditional Spanish solera process to its much-loved small batch experimental series, the Port Melbourne distillery’s approach to whisky production is characterised by a unique sense of home-grown ingenuity and a healthy dose of adventure. Its latest expression continues the tradition.

Starward Whisky has unveiled Co-Ferment Grape x Malt Australian Spirit, an ‘Australian-first’ release that blurs the lines between distillation and viticulture. Comprising equal parts freshly crushed Cabernet Sauvignon grape juice and Starward’s signature malted barley wash, the release is blended together before being fermented, distilled, and fully matured in Australian red wine barrels for almost six years. The result, according to Starward founder David Vitale, is a spirit with the heart of a whisky and the characteristics of a big, bold Australian drop.

“Starward Co-Ferment is a release that’s close to my heart and I am incredibly proud of the entire team for creating what is a beautifully balanced and complex spirit,” Vitale said. “In addition to making history, it’s bloody delicious and I can’t wait to see how our fans embrace it in their repertoire.”

While it may not bear all the hallmarks of a traditional whisky, the new expression doesn’t stray too far from the Starward DNA. Like many of its contemporaries, Co-Ferment is a distinctly fruit-forward release that is heavy on complexity. The mixture of cabernet flavours on the front palate is interspersed with bold notes of fig, blackcurrant and a rich vanilla that is unmistakably Starward. From there, the liquid builds to a malty round finish that is accentuated by undeniably chalky tannins—a nod to its unique liquid parcel.

For Starward head distiller and blender Carlie Dyer, the mastermind behind the new release, Co-Ferment is the product of true experimentation. While red wine barrel maturation has played a pivotal role in establishing Starward’s signature whisky profile since its inaugural release, this marks the first time that Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and malted barley wash have come together pre-distillation.

“I came from a background in winemaking, and when I first joined Starward, I was really inspired by our red wine barrel maturation and how they influenced those signature fruit-forward notes in our whisky,” Dyer explained. “That’s when I started wondering… what would happen if two ancient arts came together to create something entirely new? Not just in maturation, but from the very beginning of the distillation process? That was the question that kick-started this experimentation, and we never looked back.”

Much like the label’s experimental project release, the Starward Co-Ferment Grape x Malt Australian Spirit is available to purchase exclusively via a ballot system, which opened to the public on Wednesday, April 23, through the distillery’s official website. Allocations will be drawn on Friday, May 16, with bottles priced at AUD$139 and available until sold out. If you miss out, however, don’t stress. Starward has confirmed that limited bottles will also be available for purchase from Starward Distillery & Bar in Port Melbourne, during trading hours.

Starward Co-Ferment Grape x Malt Australian Spirit

• Brand: Starward Whisky
• Release: Co-Ferment Grape x Malt Australian Spirit
• ABV: 46%
• Size: 700ml
• Price: AUD$139
• Availability: Exclusively via ballot
• Tasting Notes
  • Aroma: Blackberries, Cinnamon, Vanilla 
  • Palate: Burst of cabernet flavours on the front palate with flavours of fig, blackcurrant, and vanilla, drawing out to a malty round finish.
  • Finish: Long with flavours of toasted oak, black fruits and chalky tannin.