Starward – Single Barrel Australian Single Malt Whisky (75cl)

This is a single barrel Australian single malt from Starward in Melbourne, in a 75cl bottle. The barrel was hand-picked by Starward's founder, David Vitale. The whisky was first filled into a fresh American oak red wine barrel. It then spent a further year in a heavy-char American oak hogshead. The notes describe pineapple, banana, coconut flakes, strawberry bubble gum and lilac on the nose, with dark honey and caramel emerging in time. On the palate there are caramel, cream soda, grapefruit and a creamy texture, then black tea, pine needles and gum leaves. Barley sugar sweetness returns at the end.