Starward Whisky has ventured into new territory with the launch of Unexpeated, a new red wine barrel aged Australian single malt whisky, finished in peated whisky-drenched barrels from some of the finest heritage distilleries in Islay, Scotland.
Whisky drinkers can look forward to tasting coastal peat and smoky flavours in Starward’s signature fruit-forward and juicy whisky. On the tongue, subtle sweet peat melds with red-wine-barrel red berries, sticky golden peaches and cocoa nibs. There is distinct peat in the aroma and a smouldering oak dry finish.
Starward’s Production Director, Sam Slaney, said the Port Melbourne distillery team had melded Australian innovation with Scottish tradition to craft this unique single malt.
“We sourced freshly disgorged, peated whisky soaked barrels from Islay’s remote distilleries and began to experiment. Some of the barrels used date as far back as 1968, but once we brought them over to Australia, they were given a whole new lease of life.
“What we’ve ended up with is a unique Starward single malt whisky with an Islay maritime peat character never tasted in any of our releases, Unexpeated really is a collision of the old world and the new,” said Mr Slaney.
Starward Founder, David Vitale, said he was thrilled to introduce Starward’s signature Australian single malt finished in Scottish peated whisky barrels as part of the Port Melbourne distillery’s innovative Projects Program.
“We’ve never been afraid to try something different and this release is a very Starward twist to a traditional style and it’s certainly living up to its name. The key for us is always trying to make something deliciously sippable and brilliantly mixable.
” In each sip of UNEXPEATED our juicy, tropical flavours meet a coastal peat smoke that’s come direct from Islay’s famed distilleries. It pairs beautifully with smoky dishes like trout or grilled eggplant. Try it as a new take on a dirty martini with oysters, or after dinner with a strong blue cheese like Roquefort. It’s a flavour sensation,” said Mr Vitale.
Unexpeated is a limited release, available in a 700mL bottle for RRP $149 on from here.
ALCOHOL/SIZE: 48% ABV – 700ml
