Starward – Single Malt Tawny Cask (70cl, 48%)

This is Starward Tawny Cask, an Australian single malt in a 70cl bottle at 48% ABV. It was matured for its whole life in tawny fortified wine casks. Starward is made in Melbourne from Australian malted barley fermented with brewer's yeast. The whisky is matured in the city's warm climate, where big swings in temperature mean it reacts with the barrel faster than it would in Scotland. The nose is slightly sweet, with banana bread, peanut butter, raisins and dried fruit peel. The palate is spicier, with Christmas cake, spiced plums, dried fruit and sweet grape, and the finish is sweet and buttery with a hint of spice.