Port Melbourne-based distillery Starward Whisky has launched an exclusive bottling that blends new-world production with Medieval winemaking techniques. Starward Botrytis Cask is the brand’s latest single malt whisky release to explore different maturation processes, following on from breakout hits like the Ginger Beer cask and last year’s limited edition Pedro Ximénez bottling that was created exclusively for The Whisky Club. With Botrytis Cask, however, the Melbourne distillery is taking things in a new direction, embracing the centuries-old tradition of Noble Rot.
According to Starward, the new single malt whisky has been fully matured for seven years in fresh and
charred casks that once held Botrytis Semillon dessert wine. As many oenophiles will tell you, Botrytis (also known as ‘Noble Rot’) is a beneficial form of grey fungus that can sometimes affect wine grapes. The unique natural process penetrates the fruit and extracts the water through the skin, leaving behind a grape with a concentrated sugar profile that makes for a decadent and rich dessert wine.
Viticulturists have been procuring Botrytis wine since the 16th century, however, the process is far from straightforward. Noble Rot fungus can only form under strict environmental and climate conditions and must be carefully preceded to fully develop. According to Jarrad Huckshold, head blender at Starward, the distillery’s experience with red wine barrel maturation laid the perfect foundations for the new release, with Starward able to leverage its strong ties with the local winemaking community to bring Botrytis Cask to life.
“We looked for a very long time to try and hunt down these barrels, but they rarely appear, as botrytis wines are only made in very small quantities in Australia,” Huckshold said. “We always knew that the flavours of a botrytis cask would work perfectly with our signature spirit, and we were ecstatic when we finally got our hands on some beautiful barrels to play with.”
For whisky lovers, the new Starward Botrytis Cask offers an enticing drinking experience. On the nose, you’ll find the sweetness of dried apricots and marmalade, characteristic of the Starward spirit profile. From there, however, the decadent notes of the ancient wine style take over. According to Starward, nuanced notes of orange blossom, marzipan and apricot Danish arise through the palate, while the influence of the charred casks offers a slightly savoury mouthfeel.
“It’s been a delight to see this liquid develop the distinct dessert-like characteristics from the botrytis casks,” Huckshold said. “Orange blossom, apricot and marmalade flavours are delicious and not typical of our Starward style. I’m looking forward to seeing how whisky lovers embrace this new release.”
The Starward Botrytis Cask is available exclusively via a ballot system on the distillery’s website, which opened to the public on August 1. The limited edition bottling is priced at AUD$169, with the ballot to be drawn on August 21. For more information on the new release or to sign up for the ballot, visit the link below.
Starward Botrytis Cask
- Brand: Starward Whisky
- Release: Botrytis Cask
- Tasting notes:
- COLOUR – Auburn
- AROMA – Dried apricots, orange blossom, marzipan and honey on toast
- PALATE – Dried apricots, marmalade, cedar and nutmeg
- FINISH – Big long finish with lingering flavours of marmalade on toast, apricot danish and beeswax
- Size: 700ml
- ABV: 48%
- Price: AUD$169
