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This Australian whisky maker is reaching for the stars when it comes to barrel finishing.

Starward Single Malt Australian Whisky is finishing their newest offering in ex-Lagavulin barrels, something they call a blend of tradition and innovation.

And Starward’s limited peated cask finish release, sourced from the renowned Lagavulin Distillery, is a first for the brand’s signature red wine barrel matured single malt, being finished another 18 months in Lagavulin barrels.

Lagavulin, one of the oldest distilleries on Scotland’s Isle of Islay, is situated along the rugged coast and has a distinctive peated single malt Scotch whisky known for its rich, complex, and intensely smoky character.

A statement from the Starward team noted that they visited the Lagavulin Distillery on Islay, experiencing firsthand the impact of the island’s landscape and climate on their whisky’s character. Starward Production Director, Sam Slaney, learned of the influence of climate on maturation, noting how aging in two distinctly different environments impart unique flavor finishes, making harmony.

Starward Founder David Vitale said, “My earliest inspiration for Starward was to create a deliciously distinctive whisky, and while we certainly hit that brief with our red wine barrel matured whisky, what whisky better epitomizes distinctively delicious than Lagavulin? Sourcing these barrels to create this exciting expression gives us a magical moment to celebrate the very best of Australian curiosity and Scottish tradition.”

Starward’s aging process starts with the red wine barrels, where the spirit absorbs the notes of red fruit and vanilla for three years. It’s then transferred into the Lagavulin peated Scotch whisky barrels for 18 months to finish. 

The new Starward offering comes in a bespoke box and clocks in at 48% ABV. It has a suggested retail price of $130 for a 700ml bottle. It will only be available exclusively via ballot selection, and you can sign up at starward.com until April 15th. It will then be available in limited quantities at spirits retailers around the U.S. 

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