Starward – Nova (70cl, 41%)

Starward Nova is an Australian single malt matured entirely in Australian red wine casks, including casks that previously held Shiraz or Cabernet. It is bottled at 41% in a 70cl bottle. The casks are filled with new spirit while still wet from the wine, within hours of being emptied, so the influence of the previous contents stays close at hand. The malt is made from Australian barley and fermented with beer yeast. Starward was founded in 2007 by David Vitale. The nose brings red berries, dark chocolate and orchard fruit. The palate recalls a rich chocolate dessert with raspberries, with vanilla, caramel and spice. The finish is long and soft, keeping red fruit with a fine note of oak arriving gradually.