Non-released 200 ml bottling of an experimental batch of whisky from Starward Distillery in Melbourne, Australia. Given away as a referral bonus to members of Australias “The Whisky Club” and bottled sometime in April of 2022. A non age statement whisky that there is little information for, presumably the standard Starward distillate matured in their red wine casks but finished in maple syrup barrels. N: dried fruits expected of a red wine cask are present but a slightly astringent character gets in the way of what may be some rather pleasant leathery and tobacco notes. A little water allows some of the pleasant stuff to come forward. P: an initial sharpness battles with round juicy fruit flavours of raisins and mulled oranges with cloves and spice but this is in equal or lesser measure to a cloying sticky sweetness. Virtually no complexity or layers. Water leaves nothing but sickly sweetness in the mouth. Do not add water. F: the finish is sharp at first but then long and very warm at the back of the throat leaving a lingering stickiness on the palate. Towards the end some of the christmassy mince pie/mulled wine tries to creep back to the spotlight, but it lacks presence. After receiving no less than eight double golds at the San Francisco Spirits Competition Starward are poised as a world whisky heavyweight. They do experimental things, sometimes they work apparently. But, sometimes what looks good on paper turns into a lack lustre disappointment as is the case here. Points for the concept, sure. It is of no surprise though they were not willing to damage their growing reputation by putting a price sticker on this stuff. At least it didn’t go down the drain, I’m sure someone will enjoy it if not for the exclusivity of this little freebie. Distiller whisky taste #34