About This Whisky
An old-school, first-fill, heavy Scotch-style single malt crafted by Starward Distillery, matured exclusively in Portuguese Ruby Port casks and bottled at a bold 52% ABV.
Created as a limited-edition release for Members of The Whisky Club, this expression combines Starward’s signature New World vibrancy with the indulgent sweetness of Ruby Port.
A whisky that bridges Melbourne’s contemporary craft with the elegance of old-world maturation — rich, layered, and unashamedly bold.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Russet.
Nose: Fresh blackcurrant, dried apricot, and raisin with caramel chews and nutmeg.
Palate: Mulberry and fig, swathes of butterscotch and candied orange.
Finish: Long, warming, and dry with salted dark chocolate, prunes, macadamia, and subtle spice.
Distillery Notes
Founded by David Vitale in Melbourne’s Port District, Starward has become one of Australia’s most innovative and globally recognised whisky producers.
For this project, Vitale and Head Blender Carlie Dyer sourced deeply seasoned Ruby Port casks from Portugal, shipping them to Australia for extended maturation.
The result: a deeply complex whisky bottled straight-from-the-cask at 52% ABV — Starward’s richest and most Scotch-like expression yet, created exclusively for The Whisky Club.
Whisky Information
Category: Australian Single Malt Whisky
Distillery: Starward Distillery
Region: Victoria, Australia
Maturation: Portuguese Ruby Port Casks
ABV: 52%
Cask Type: First Fill Port Casks
Limited Edition: The Whisky Club Exclusive
Founded: 2007
Location: 50 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Water Source: Thompson and Upper Yarra Reservoirs
Washbacks: 5 × 25,000 L (stainless steel)
Stills: 1 wash still and 1 spirit still
Annual Capacity: 700,000 litres
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy neat or with a drop of water to open up layers of fruit and oak sweetness.
Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, or rich desserts such as sticky date pudding or crème brûlée.
