Starward Nova Single Malt

Oaky

Being greatly and pleasantly surprised by the Starward single malt, I decided to buy a bottle of Nova, ripened in red wine barrels. I expect a lot from it actually. Lovely, sweet nose of vanilla and chocolate, with a hint of soft, red fruit and tangerines. Mint. Taste is a bomb of fruity sweetness, actually bringing the nose back into the flavour. Citrus. Vanilla yoghurt. Baked cookies. Very good taste overall. The aftertaste is a complete different story, because after swallowing, a strong whiff of wood and liquorice root hits the mouth. Dry mouthfeel. No burn. Hint of bitterness. It's a great composition alltogether, the bitter aftertaste brings a balance to this sweet and fresh whisky, which would otherwise be too sweet. Not too difficult, but special enough for the price. Very nice malt!

These notes are from a blind tasting (Flaviar Advent Calendar) The smell is muted but I can get some red and green apples, and pears. Pretty nice. It doesn’t jump out of the glass, you have to go looking for it but what you find is nice. The taste is spicy red fruit, baking spice, and a strong red wine grape sour element but in a good way. Black pepper, clove, menthol, and mint. The finish is medium/long with the clove and mint really showing up and hanging around late. This is a nice surprise in the Flaviar box. What’s even better is the taste delivered above the smell. Would be happy to have this anytime.  Overall Grade: B - (Good)

Decent.