Skip to main content

Ad Astra Per Whisky-A: Australia’s Starward Whisky Debuts on U.S. Shores

starward whiskey
Starward

Whiskies from all over the world continue to flock to the U.S., and one of the latest is a new brand from Australia.

The Australian single malt whisky brand Starward is now available nationwide in the U.S. Like many whiskies of the world, Starward brings a unique set of whiskey characteristics to the American market.

Recommended Videos

“Starward began with a simple vision: to make a distinctly Australian whisky we could offer the world with pride,” Starward Whisky founder David Vitale said. “I have long dreamed of being able to share our whisky in the U.S. It is a genuinely exciting time for the team as we take the next step on our Starward-bound journey.”

Vitale started Starward in 2007 in his hometown of Melbourne after time as a business manager at a Tasmanian distillery. As with many of the other whiskies from non-traditional regions, Starward leans on some neighbors to stand out with an Australian flair. The distillery’s proximity to the wineries of Southeastern Australia help lend a unique twist to its whiskies. 

starward whiskey
Starward

Starward spends its time maturing in un-charred Australian red wine barrels, and the first expression, Starward Nova, is a single malt that spends three “Melbourne years” in the barrels, which include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir barrels from local wineries.

The Melbourne climate is dynamic in temperature fluctuations, which helps accelerate the aging process, so three “Melbourne years” helps result in a “long, distinct and spicy finish that creates a complex single malt from a relatively young whisky.”

According to the company, the barrels are wet-filled to “maximize the flavor of wine permeated into the oak.” The whisky also takes on some of the red hues from the leftover wine and also plenty of fruity notes from Australia’s strong wine industry.

On the nose, Starward has “bright red berries, orchard fruits, and soft oak spice,” while the palate is hit with “vanilla and berries balanced with caramel and spice,” before finishing “long, fruity, and slightly tart with hints of baking spice.”

The whisky maker says because of the influence of the “vibrancy of big red wines” from Australia, Starward whisky is perfectly married with food.

A two-time winner of “Best Australian Single Malt” at the World Whiskies Awards, Starward Nova has a suggested retail price of $55 per bottle.

Pat Evans
Pat Evans is a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, focusing on food and beer, spirits, business, and sports. His full…
This city just ranked #1 in the world for Instagram-worthy coffee culture
Here's where coffee lovers should consider traveling
Cup of coffee

A new study analyzed Instagram engagement and café density across 70 global cities to determine which destinations are best for coffee lovers seeking an Instagram-worthy experience. After analyzing over 150 million Instagram posts using various coffee and beverage-related hashtags, the research revealed 10 "coffee capital" cities that are perfect for java junkies.

The study evaluated each city using price analysis of 10 coffee varieties, total café counts, and Instagram hashtag volumes for location-specific coffee content. Cities were ranked using a weighted methodology prioritizing affordability (40%), social media engagement (30%), and café accessibility (30%) to identify locations offering great coffee experiences.

Read more
Iced coffee vs. iced latte: What to know before your next order
Chilled and caffeinated, here's what sets these drinks apart
iced latte

If you add enough cream to your iced coffee, it's almost impossible to tell the difference between an iced coffee and vs. iced latte from a visual standpoint. Although similar, an iced coffee and a latte are different drinks. As a coffee enthusiast, it's almost a pet peeve when people mix these beverages, yet I can understand why.

Often, the misunderstanding concerns the appearance of these drinks, though what makes each drink unique is how it's made. Below, let's break down the key differences between iced coffee and iced latte so you know exactly what to order and don't fall into this common coffee order misunderstanding.

Read more
Drinking this coffee could increase your blindness risk by 700%
Should you rethink your coffee choice?
instant coffee

We all have our coffee preferences, but this recent study could have you rethinking your favorite coffee choice. A recent study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition found that instant coffee drinkers could be at increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition associated with blindness. The study analyzed data collected from over 500,000 individuals, concluding that instant coffee drinkers may be at an increased risk of developing AMD. The most common type of AMD, known as dry AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults and does not currently have a cure. This condition affects a small region in the back of the retina, causing damage that can lead to blurry spots and a loss of vision over time.

The complex study identified an overlap between a person's genetic disposition towards drinking instant coffee and their risk for dry AMD. Within this genetic correlation, the study suggests that drinking instant coffee (compared to other types of coffee) could increase the risk of developing dry AMD by about 700 times. This research provides new insight into AMD pathogenesis, offering a potential next step for researchers to contribute to personalized prevention strategies such as genetically informed lifestyle interventions. The study did not find any correlation between instant coffee and wet AMD.

Read more