Skip to main content

Talking Australian Whisky With Starward Whisky’s Dave Vitale

starward nova
Starward Whisky

Which new bourbon are we pumped about? What does it take to be a master journeyman? Where are we excited to travel to next? Each week, The Manual Podcast invites an expert, artisan, or craftsman for a roundtable discussion on what’s new, exciting, and unique in their trade.

For this week’s episode of The Manual Podcast, Greg and Sam sit down with founder of Starward Whisky, Dave Vitale.

An Australian whisky that is aged in Australian red wine barrels, Starward is one of the very few whiskies from the continent available here in the U.S. Currently, there are two expressions available, Nova, a single malt whisky, and Two-Fold, a double grain whisky.

After explaining how he got into the distillery business, Vitale dives in the Australian whisky scene and just how much it has grown since the first whisky distillery opened in the early 1990s. When Starward first opened in the mid 2000s, he said, they were only distillery number six. Now, there are dozens operating around the country (and that’s not even including the Australian distilleries making other spirits, such as gin).

Next, Vitale discusses how — due to a little bit of serendipity — its distillery was already in shutdown mode due to the need to expand their facility to allow for more distilling and storage.

Finally, the topic on everyone’s mind. Sam and Greg talk with Vitale about how quarantine is going for him and what he is doing to stay healthy and sane.

starward two fold
Starward Whisky

Have you had Australian whisky before? Have a favorite distillery? Let us know. We want to hear from you. If you ever have a question or comment for The Manual Podcast folks, give us a shout at podcast@themanual.com — we’re always around! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you can join the discussion. Don’t forget, too, to rate and review the podcast where you download it.

Further Reading

Editors' Recommendations

Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Multnomah Whiskey Library Episode
the manual podcast holiday episode

What new bourbon are we pumped about? Which hiking trail are we exploring? Why is the next supercar so cool? The Manual is dedicated to helping men live a more engaged life. Each week, our editors and guests get together for a round-table discussion about what’s new, exciting, and unique in the men’s lifestyle world. So pop open your favorite brew, step into your man cave, and start streaming. Shout out to Portland-based No Kind of Rider for our intro/exit music.

This week, Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast comes to you from The Multnomah Whisk(e)y Library in Portland, Oregon, to discuss all things whiskey. The Multnomah Whiskey Library has over 1,700 different types of spirits on its shelves. Colin Howard and Stephen Price, both from the Library, sit down with us to answer our many and varied questions about the library itself and the whiskey wonders within it.

Read more
Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Old Fashioned Episode
beards booze and bacon

What new bourbon are we pumped about? Which hiking trail are we exploring? Why is the next supercar so cool? The Manual is a website dedicated to helping men live a more engaged life. Each week, our editors and guests get together for a round-table discussion on what’s new, exciting, and unique in the men’s lifestyle world. So pop open your favorite brew, step into your man cave, and start streaming. Shout out to Portland-based No Kind of Rider for our intro/exit music.

This week on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast, the round table discusses one of the best (in our humble opinions) cocktails you can order. Yes, the Old Fashioned.

Read more
The Manual Podcast’s Quarantine Chronicles, Episode 3
The Manual Podcast Crew Sam Slaughter Nicole Raney Greg Nibler

Sam Slaughter, Nicole Raney, and Greg Nibler. Riley Young/The Manual

Which new bourbon are we pumped about? What does it take to be a master journeyman? Where are we excited to travel to next? Each week, The Manual Podcast invites an expert, artisan, or craftsman for a roundtable discussion on what’s new, exciting, and unique in their trade.

Read more