Starward – Left-Field (70cl, 40%)

Starward Left-Field is an Australian single malt from the distillery in Port Melbourne, in a 70cl bottle at 40%. It is chill-filtered and has no added colour. The whisky matures entirely in French oak barrels that previously held Australian red wine, so the wine influence runs through the whole maturation rather than coming from a finish. The casks come from wineries within about a day's drive of the distillery. The nose offers bright tropical fruit with an estery quality, plus a little blackcurrant and spice. The palate is soft tropical fruit with red apple skin, fresh blackberries and a touch of vanilla. The finish is fine and stays fruity.