Starward 100 Proof Single Malt Whisky
Updated: Jul 24
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
About This Spirit from Starward
100 Proof Single Malt Whisky
700mL / 50%
Lusciously bold. Bottled at 100-Proof.
100-Proof is a robust single malt whisky that is fully matured in American oak, red wine barrels and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). Championing Australian ingredients, 100-Proof is full-bodied and decadent, featuring notes of juicy plum, ganache and sweet vanilla.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE \ Upfront aromas of Madagascan vanilla pods, rich toasted American oak, blackberry jam, raisins, dried fig, and over ripe plums.
PALATE \ Rich and full bodied, vanilla, quince paste, Muscadelle raisins, chocolate ganache, cinnamon and baked banana bread.
FINISH \ Viscous and long. Capturing the whole palate and balanced well with a finish of baking spices from the oak and ripe figs and raisins.
A DARING RELEASE NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED.
100-Proof is fully matured in red wine barrels sourced predominantly from the Barossa Valley. These barrels, which previously held big Australian bold reds like cabernet and shiraz, offer a richer mouthfeel to the whisky, making it the perfect sipper, on ice or neat.
About This Spirit from The Whisky Advocate
Starward 3 year old 100 Proof
Score 94 ● ABV: 50% ● Price: $65 ● Style: Australian Single Malt ● Origin: Australia
Australia isn’t the first country you’d think of when discussing world-class whisky, but Starward aims to change that. This Melbourne company, which started distilling in 2010, creates pot-distilled single malts, making generous use of barrels that once held local wines. The fluctuating temperatures Down Under help this young spirit drink like something older. It’s the color of long-steeped tea, and is laden with caramel, honey, and wood flavors plus a touch of ginger candy and peppercorn, then copious amounts of spice.
—David Savona
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
How We Feel About the Spirit
Starward 100 Proof Review: Australia’s Bold Entry into Our Sipping Room Collection
Written by Nancy Fae for His, Hers & the Good Life
Introduction
The inaugural year of our Sipping Room collection — our quest to gather Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 of 2024 — has taken us across continents, time zones, and more than a few shipping-policy headaches. Bottle #19 on the list, Starward 3 Year Old 100 Proof, became one of our most unexpected hunts. Somewhere between scanning local shelves and realizing Australia isn’t exactly known for whisky, we found ourselves deep in the online marketplace, navigating reputable retailers who ship to Alabama (a victory in itself).
When we finally secured the bottle at MSRP — plus a little extra for shipping — we felt that familiar thrill: another piece of our 19-bottle story, another chapter in the Sipping Room’s first year. With a Whisky Advocate score of 94 and an ABV of 50%, this Australian single malt promises something different. And since we haven’t opened it yet, the anticipation is half the fun. A blind tasting with other wine-finished whiskeys awaits, and we’re eager to discover what makes this one worthy of its #19 spot.
His Take (Jeff)
I’ll admit, when Nancy Fae told me we needed an Australian whisky for the Top 20, I raised an eyebrow. Australia? Whisky? I wasn’t skeptical — just curious. My shelves don’t exactly feature bottles from Melbourne.
Tracking it down felt like a small adventure. Every local store visit ended with the same shrug: “Australia doesn’t really send whisky our way.” Once we found a retailer that shipped to Alabama, I felt like we’d unlocked a secret level. MSRP was a bonus; paying extra for shipping was just part of the game.
Now that it’s in the Sipping Room, I’m itching to see how this 100 proof single malt stacks up in a blind tasting. Will the wine-cask influence stand out? Will it surprise me? I’m ready to find out.
Her Take (Nancy Fae)
This bottle feels like a milestone in our Sipping Room journey. Not because it’s rare or flashy, but because it represents the lengths we went to build our inaugural Top 20 collection. Australia wasn’t on my whisky radar, but the moment I saw Starward sitting at #19 with a score of 94, I knew it belonged on our shelf.
Finding it wasn’t easy, but that made the victory sweeter. I love that this bottle carries a bit of mystery — an unfamiliar region, a bold proof, and a wine-cask finish that hints at something vibrant. When we taste it blind, I’m hoping it brings a new dimension to our palate map. Maybe it’ll be the bottle that reminds us that great whisky can come from unexpected places.
Closing in the His, Hers & the Good Life Style
His (Jeff)
This bottle feels like a challenge in the best way. It’s unfamiliar territory, and that makes it exciting. I’m ready to see what Australia brings to the table.
Her (Nancy Fae)
Starward 100 Proof is a reminder that collecting isn’t just about the bottles. It’s about the stories behind them. This one already has a good one, and we haven’t even opened it yet.
The Good Life
The Good Life is built on curiosity, shared experiences, and the joy of discovering something new together. Starward 100 Proof fits right in — an unexpected find, a global twist, and a promise of a tasting moment we’ll remember.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
How to Enjoy
Blind Tasting: Line it up with other wine-finished whiskeys to let its character reveal itself naturally.
Neat First: At 100 proof, start neat to appreciate the structure before adding water.
A Few Drops of Water: Open up the fruit notes and soften the edges.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Pair it with another Australian whisky (if you can find one!) to explore regional identity.
Sipping Room Moment: Enjoy it slowly, with conversation and curiosity. This bottle deserves attention.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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