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The bottles: Starward Australian Whisky Nova ($55) and Two-Fold ($33)
The back story: In recent years, whisky fans have turned their attention beyond Scotland and the U.S. to less-recognized places that also produce quality fare. Japan has been a particular focus. But others are also starting to emerge, including Australia.
And that is where Starward, a whisky maker from the land down under, enters the picture. The company, launched by one-time tech entrepreneur David Vitale in 2007, just started shipping its product to the U.S. last year. Its lineup of releases is small — just two bottles in the U.S. — but the company’s footprint is growing considerably. Vitale says Starward’s global sales have doubled on an annual basis for the past five years.
Starward positions itself as a very Australian brand because it ages its whisky in barrels used previously for Australian red wine. (And as fans of the grape know, Australia is serious about its wine.) The barrels lend the spirit a “juicy, rich flavor,” the company touts.
Obviously, the world has turned its attention to Australia in recent weeks for an altogether matter — the bush fires that have wreaked havoc on the country and its wildlife. Starward is one of several Australian companies with a presence in the U.S. that are supporting relief and other charitable efforts connected to the tragedy. In the whisky maker’s case, it is participating in fund-raisers at bars in Chicago and New York.
What we think about them: Starward’s whiskies have a taste that echoes other styles, including Scotch and bourbon, but with a pleasing character all their own. We are especially high on the Nova, which is a single-malt very much in the Socttish manner. It has a molasses-like, fruity flavor — that must be the red wine talking — with a sold mouthfeel.
How to enjoy them: These whiskies can certainly be had neat or with ice or water. But Vitale suggests trying them in cocktails. “My evening ritual with Nova is a Manhattan,” he says.
