Starward marks 15 years with Vitalis
Australian distillery Starward is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a commemorative single malt whisky: Vitalis.
The single malt is named after the distillery’s founder, David Vitale, marking 15 years since the inception of the Melbourne-based company. Starward typically ages its whiskies in Australian red wine barrels, and Vitalis is no exception. Vitalis has been matured in a mix of red wine barrels, and tawny Port, Bourbon, first-fill and second-fill Apera casks, and rum barrels. Vitale said: “It feels like only yesterday when I was inspired by Australia’s farmed 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.” Tasting notes for Vitalis include aromas of toffee, raisins and chocolate-coated pineapples. The palate is said to bring notes of dried fruits, ripe red currants, an hints of lightly roasted coffee beans. Starward Vitalis sits at 52% ABV and will retail for RRP £110 (US$122) from select retailers. Earlier this month, Starward extended its presence in global travel retail by partnering with DFS Group.
