Australian whisky brand Starward has released an ‘approachable’ single malt finished in red wine barrels.
The latest addition to Starward’s core line is Left-Field whisky, which was matured in 100% French oak red wine barrels from the regions of Barossa Valley and Yarra Valley. The wines include Shiraz, Cabernet and Pinot Noir.
The use of the barrels is said to have given the 40% ABV whisky a ‘rich and spicy mouthfeel’. On the nose, the whisky has notes of tropical fruit, red apple skin, fresh red berries and vanilla spice. The palate offers a tropical fruit character with a ‘rich mouthfeel and lightly toasted oak’
Starward founder David Vitale said: “We felt it was important for us to create a flavourful but easy drinking and approachable whisky that talks to the place it is made, like very few whiskies can.”
Left-Field is recommended served with tonic water or mixed with vermouth and grapefruit soda to make a Spritz, or a classic Sour. Vitale said the tonic and whisky serve is “refreshing and bright and brings out the smooth, full flavour of our whisky”.
Vitale said: “We all have a ‘special occasion’ whisky cabinet which is overflowing with options, but the sharing cabinet is curated. We believe we have an opportunity to elbow out some space and create an alternative to the great whiskies from around the world with an Australian whisky, matured in Australian wine barrels.”
Left-Field is available to buy exclusively in Europe, and in Waitrose stores across the UK for RRP £35 (US$48) per 700ml bottle.
In November 2019, Starward appointed Simon Marton as its CEO and revealed plans for a multi-million-dollar investment in 2020.
