Starward Solera Single Malt

Solera, finally. Seventeen Starward’s deep and I’ve finally made it to their original bottling. Not too much to preamble this with… Australian malted barley; brewers yeast; Apera casks from McWilliams Winery on the NSW-VIC border re-coopered, shaved, and charred in house; and a traditional Solera process. N: Bright and acidic with some tannic backing. Acidity from apples and then jammy mulled red fruits and plums come through. Tannic oak and a little nuttiness that borders on marzipan sweet. Give enough patience and a nice caramel might just lift out also. P: Rich, and with a lovely toffee texture. Toasted oak is restrained and warm, dark jam with figs, blackcurrant and a tiny floral lift. Milk chocolate and lick of filter coffee carry a waft of burnt caramel with a hint of clove and nutmeg, almost like a custard tart cooked just too long. F: Medium. Juicy and bright with light mocha, more bakery spice, and a hint of old oak shavings This is probably the least ostentatious dram I have come across from Starward. None of the small batch prestige, or projects trumpet blowing. This is quite simply, locally sourced, carefully executed, well made whisky. The result here, is an enjoyable, accessible and good value for money whisky that would be very welcome on my shelf but for one problem. Arran ’The Bodega’ exists, and its AUD$19 cheaper than this and quite a bit better. That said, if you want a good introduction to Starward and a no fuss or frills session whisky, I’d recommend this as a pour well spent. Distiller whisky taste #218 [Pictured here with a fluorite-sphalerite combo from Chihuahua, Mexico. Sphalerite is a zinc sulphide and gets its name from the Greek word for treacherous; as it can easily be mistaken for a few other things. True to its treacherous nature, all you’ll be able to see here is lovely shades of purple from fluorite. Now go brush your teeth.. easy points for understanding that comment]. Starward running scores: Nova: 3/5 Fortis: 3.25/5 Solera: 3.75/5 10th Anniversary: 4.25/5 Vitalis 15th Anniversary: 4.5/5 Whisky Club Exclusive, Maple Cask: 2/5 Whisky Club Exclusive, Cognac Cask: 3.5/5 Projects, Octave Barrels: 3.75/5 Projects, Dolce: 2.25/5 Projects, Bourbon Cask: 3.5/5 Projects, Tawny #2: 3.5/5 Projects, UnExpeated: 3.75/5 Projects, Peated: 2.75/5 Small Batch, Cherry Wood Smoked: /5 Small Batch, Hungarian Oak: 3/5 Small Batch, Sticky Toffee Apple: 3.25/5 Small Batch, Chardonnay: 4/5

Barry jam flavor, thicker and sweeter than just the berry on its own. Mellow and okay on the balance but tips a little to the sweeter side. Doesn't have much beyond that jam sweetness

A little like a mild rye. A little spice, a little fruit.

Lovely nose, toasted nuts, dried fruits, dry sherry. Creamy buttery body, caramel, medium long finish with vanilla

Vanilla, creme brûlée, honey, peppery