Starward Nova

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 41% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Maturation entirely in Australian red wine casks shapes Starward Nova. These include casks that previously held Shiraz or Cabernet. Starward collects them within hours of emptying and fills them with new-make spirit while they are still wet with wine. Known as Wet Fill, this method preserves the direct influence of the wine previously held in the casks.

Nova is part of the distillery’s core range and showcases its fruit-forward single malt style. Its combination of berries, chocolate and mild oak spice lends itself both to drinking neat and to cocktails. The whisky is bottled at 41% in a bottle containing 0.7 litres and comes with gift packaging.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose reveals pronounced red berries, dark chocolate and orchard fruit.
• Palate: On the palate, the whisky recalls a rich chocolate dessert with raspberries. Vanilla, caramel and spice notes complement this impression.
• Finish: Red fruit remains present through the long, soft finish, gradually joined by a subtle oak note.

Distillery/Bottler:

David Vitale founded Starward in 2007 with the aim of creating a distinctive Australian whisky. His enthusiasm for craft beer and Melbourne’s food culture influenced the concept: whisky should be approachable and have a place at the shared dining table. After its early experience with Apera casks, the distillery decided to make Australian red wine casks central to its work rather than rely on imported bourbon casks.

The distillery in Port Melbourne sources its ingredients and wine casks from within a day’s drive. For Nova, it uses Australian malted barley and ferments it with brewer’s yeast, which contributes to the spirit’s tropical fruit character. Working with winemakers keeps the journey between emptying and refilling the casks short. Melbourne’s frequent temperature changes also influence maturation, encouraging interaction between the whisky and the wood.

Facts: