Starward Vitalis is a limited-edition Australian single malt released to celebrate Starward's 15th anniversary and named after founder David Vitale. It brings together six hand-selected whisky parcels aged between 4 and 10 years, and is bottled at 52% ABV without chill filtration or added colour.
Starward, in Melbourne, is known for maturing its whisky in Australian wine casks, and Vitalis gathers the casks that have shaped its story: red wine, tawny port, bourbon, first- and second-fill Apera (the Australian fortified wine once known as sherry) and rum. Melbourne's famously changeable climate speeds the interaction between spirit and wood, giving rich flavour at a young age.
The nose brings chewy toffee, raisins, chocolate-covered pineapple and cedar, with cinder toffee and woody spice. On the palate come dried fruit, redcurrant and lightly roasted coffee beans, with cocoa nibs, dried cherries and toasted macadamia. The finish is long and oily, balancing fruit and oak. It won Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Presented in a black gift box with gold starburst artwork, it is a striking gift and a collector's piece.
Try it neat, then with a drop of water.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Chewy toffee, raisins, chocolate-covered pineapple and cedar.
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Palate: Dried fruit, redcurrant, roasted coffee, cocoa nibs and macadamia.
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Finish: Long and oily, balancing fruit and oak.
Specifications
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Producer: Starward (New World Whisky Distillery)
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Style: Australian Single Malt Whisky
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Expression / Batch: Vitalis, 15th anniversary limited edition
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Age: Six parcels aged 4 to 10 years
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Proof / ABV: 104 proof (52% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Red wine, tawny port, bourbon, Apera and rum casks
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Region: Melbourne, Australia
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat or with a drop of water. It pairs with dark chocolate, dried fruit or a cheese board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vitalis named after?
Starward founder David Vitale.
What casks were used?
Red wine, tawny port, bourbon, Apera and rum casks.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 52% ABV, non-chill-filtered.
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