Starward – Solera (70cl, 43%)

Starward Solera is a single malt from the Starward distillery in Port Melbourne, Australia, and was the distillery's first whisky release. It matured in Apera casks, which previously held Australian sherry-style wine. It is bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle, non-chill-filtered and without added colour. The solera method means a portion of younger whisky is married with more mature whisky, so each bottle keeps a small share of the original solera composition. The nose combines ripe orchard fruit and raisins with toffee and vanilla. On the palate are caramel candy and crème brûlée, ripe banana and figs, with a touch of nougat. The finish is juicy and full, with raisins and a hint of oak.