Coming off an incredible year of accolades, including Most Awarded Distillery at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition; and the top honour of ‘TASTE MASTER’ (best of the whole competition) at 2022 World Whisky Masters; Starward Whisky is celebrating an accolade closer to home. 2022 is the 15th anniversary of our Melbourne born and bred distillery and to mark this occasion, they have a special commemorative release, Vitalis.
Vitalis is a single malt whisky which represents Starward’s journey to date and how we look forward to new horizons. Named after our founder, David Vitale and his familial name (which translates to ‘life’ in Latin), Vitalis marks 15 years since David’s bold endeavour to start a Melbourne distillery and mature whisky in Australian red wine barrels. David’s ‘bet the farm moment’ brought to life the modern, approachable and food friendly whisky that Starward is known for, today.
Vitalis is truly unlike any other Starward whisky. Our distillers roamed through our barrel hall in Port Melbourne to hand select special parcels that were true to Starward’s story. We wanted Starward’s quintessential, red wine barrel influence to continue to be the star of the show. Then, parcelsfrom tawny, bourbon, apera (1st fill and 2nd fill) and rum barrels were chosen based on their connection to our 15-year journey, to create this one-of-a-kind whisky that carefully assembles a complex yet balanced, fruit forward whisky.
Vitalis is ripe and fruity, meaning it’s instantly recognisable as a Starward whisky, however it offers something a little more as it unravels. On the nose, chewy toffee gives way to raisins and chocolate-coated pineapples. On the palate you’ll be met with rich dried fruits, ripe red currants and hints of lightly roasted coffee beans. All balanced with our quintessential tropical notes. A delicate balance of fruit and oak leave a long and creamy finish.
Commenting on the 15-year milestone is Starward Founder, David Vitale; “Fifteen years ago, when I decided to have a go at creating an approachable whisky for all, I could only have hoped that it would take Starward on this trajectory. Great whiskies speak to the place that they are made, and to be able to share a Melbourne-made, flavour forward whisky with the world for over fifteen years… well, that is something that I will forever be grateful for.”
Dave continues; “It feels like only yesterday when I was inspired by Australia’s famed wine regions and asked myself the question; ‘why aren’t people maturing whisky in red wine barrels?’. This is the thought that catapulted Starward into the bold and award-winning distillery it is today. It’s been a wild and white-knuckled ride since then, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. This is why we are so excited to bring Vitalis to the world. To not only celebrate our highs and lows, but to also continue looking forward to the stars and the new horizons for Starward.”
Starward know there are many lovers of their whisky out there and many wanting to get their hands on a bottle of this collectable whisky! So in an effort to help manage the demand, Starward are releasing Vitalis via a ballot in Australia at Starward.com.au. The ballot is open for registration now and will be drawn from the 4th November. Select bottles available at fine spirit retailers around the world from November 2022.
Visit www.starward.com.au for more information
Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
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