Aussie whisky lords Starward have come a long way in the past few years, and the brand’s core range is a big reason for this. A stellar lineup of delicious and complex whiskies has had fans across the globe champing at the bit for a new release, and it appears their prayers have been answered. Starward has just announced Fortis, the fourth addition to the core range and by far its highest strength.
- Type: Single Malt Whisky
- Volume: 700ml
- ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 50%
- Barrels Used: The whisky was aged in 100% American Oak barrels, some charred for added complexity. These barrels previously held powerful Shiraz and Cabernets from Barossa Valley wineries.
- Filtration: Non-chill filtered to preserve the full flavours as they are in the barrel.
- Region: Produced in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Prominent notes of Madagascan vanilla pod and toasty oak.
- Palate: Flavors of chocolate ganache, cinnamon, quince, and Muscadelle raisin dominate.
- Finish: Features a lingering finish with baking spices.
Additional Notes:
- Starward Fortis is celebrated for its rich, full-bodied flavour that maintains a velvety smoothness typical of Starward whiskies.
- This whisky is particularly suited for sipping straight or used in classic cocktails mixed with vermouth, Campari, and orange bitters.
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At 50%ABV, Fortis packs a punch to complement its rich intensity. Even with the higher alcohol content, you can still sense that signature expression that only comes with red wine barrel maturation. According to Starward, Fortis is a brave and bold single malt Australian whisky that champions the label’s style and celebrates Australian ingredients.
Fortis is the culmination of years of experience and experimentation both in whisky and wine,” Starward founder David Vitale said. “We are the global whisky experts in wine barrel maturation. Having access to amazing barrels on our doorstep and leaning on the talents of the winemakers on our team means we can really celebrate what it means to be an Australian whisky.”
Matured in 100 per cent American Oak wine barrels, predominantly from Aussie premium red-wine region of the Barossa Valley, Fortis is a vastly different release for Starward. Bolstered by the residual flavours of freshly emptied red wine barrels and American oak char, this whisky cops a rich mouthfeel, with enhanced vanillin and toasted oak characteristics.
“This full bodied, full flavoured whisky – while quite different to our other releases – still shows all the hallmarks of our core range,” Vitale said. “Like our other whiskies, it delivers on the promise of a distinctly Australian Whisky, one we offer the world with pride. I can’t wait to share each batch’s nuances and variations that bring to life our innovative spirit and the depth of barrels we source from Aussie winemakers.”
Fortis Batch 1 is a limited release, available in a 700ml bottle for around AUD$129 and will be released exclusively through the Starward website.
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General FAQ
Starward is an Austrlian whisky made in Melbourne.
David Vitale is the founder and owner or Starward Whiskey.
