Starward Muscat Cask

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 48% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Starward Muscat Cask matures entirely in former Muscat casks from Rutherglen in the Australian state of Victoria. For this special release in the Projects range, Starward fills both freshly emptied and charred barrels with its spirit. After four years, the whiskies matured in these barrels are married. The whisky was distilled in 2019 and bottled in 2023 at 48%.

The different cask treatments bring together two aspects of the Muscat influence: the freshly emptied casks contribute fragrant fruit notes, while the charred casks highlight caramelised Muscat notes and toasted oak. Roasted almonds, cinnamon and lychee mingle with impressions of cinnamon rolls and raisin pudding. Sweet wine fruit, nuts and baked treats meet spicy wood notes.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, the whisky is sweet and lively. Caramelised almonds and dates meet the aromas of cinnamon rolls and lychee.
• Palate: The palate is balanced and full-bodied. Roasted almonds and raisins mingle with Christmas spices and oak spice.
• Finish: The medium-length finish recalls dried fruit, cinnamon and light-fleshed fruit, with toasted oak rounding out the aftertaste.

Distillery/Bottler:

Starward Distillery is located in Port Melbourne. Its founder, David Vitale, wanted to create a whisky whose Australian origins could be recognised in its flavour. The distillery sources grain and wine casks from within a day's drive. The team also includes former brewers and winemakers. Melbourne's frequent temperature changes influence cask maturation and the interaction between whisky and wood.

The Projects range gives Starward's distillers room for cask experiments, collaborations and seasonal releases outside the core range. Fortified wine casks already have a place in the distillery's history: its first whisky, Solera, matures entirely in Apera casks. For Muscat Cask, Starward is responsible for production and for marrying the whiskies from the differently treated Muscat casks.

Facts: