Wine finished whisky is nothing new, but then very few cask finishes will be till we see the results of the latest SWA rulings on allowed cask types hit the market. But this whisky, isn’t finished in wine barrels. The Starward Nova Australian Single Malt is wholly aged in Australian Red Wine barrels and that changes things a bit.
There are plenty of whiskies out there that have done the same, entirely aged in ex-wine casks, but the casks we see are typically from France or California. Starward, being an Australian distiller, kept everything on the island in an effort to bring something new to the market. It’s an interesting prospect and I’m excited to see how this Australian focus plays out in the review below.
Starward Nova Australian Single Malt Review: Details and Tasting Notes
“NOVA is an impeccable reflection of what whisky can be. This unique expression draws most of its influence from the vibrancy of Australian red wines. For this whisky, Australian red wine barrels have been individually selected and kept exactly as they leave the winery to take advantage of a uniquely Australian red wine profile. The barrels are not charred, to retain the wine to oak character.”
Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)
Region: Australia
Distiller: Starward
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Australian Red Wine casks (Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot)
Age: 2 Years
ABV: 41%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $50*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Ruby butterscotch
NOSE
Malty sweet, red wine, fruit, spice, floral, butter crackers and a light harsh note that reminds me of butyric acid.
PALATE
Malty sweet, fruit, butter crackers, red wine, spice, floral and a light touch of butyric acid.
FINISH
Short -> Wine sweetness, malt and spice.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok sense of balance, light body and a light feel.
Starward Nova Australian Single Malt Review: Overall and Score
For what it is, it’s not bad. The Aroma is interesting and showing more depth than expected with the wine notes showing readily; Palate is a bit more of the buttery cracker/biscuity nature but nearly the same as the aroma in the wine and fruit departments; Finish is here and gone in a flash leaving only a trace of spice and wine sweetness. It’s definitely unique.
Overall it’s light and the obvious thing I’ll note on is that the Starward Nova Australian Single Malt is youthful and it shows. Setting that aside for a moment my favorite part of this whisky is the fruit and accompanying wine notes and how they weave their way throughout. Seems like the wine casks have worked well here because it’s not overbearing, just needs more maturity.
There is a lot of promise in this glass and I’m excited to see what they do in the coming years.
SCORE: 79/100 (C+)
*Disclosure: This Starward Nova Australian Single Malt was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Starward Nova Australian Single Malt Review $50
- Nose - 80
- Palate - 79
- Finish - 78
- Balance, Body & Feel - 80
Starward Nova Australian Single Malt Review Summary
Starward Nova Australian Single Malt is a fun and interesting Australian whisky that hints at the future of whisky from down under and the future is looking bright.
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