Nova is part of the core range along with Fortis and Solera, and their grain counterpart “Two Grain”. Nova spends its life maturing in French oak casks that previously held Australian red wine; Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet. The casks come from the wineries, are lightly charred or steamed and then the spirit goes in. This is what Starward originally built their identity around; Australian Whisky made with Australian Wine casks. They still claim this is the case, but I’d argue their growing list of offerings flies in the face of that. Anyway, onwards with Nova N: Oak. Oak is definitely first and foremost. A little musty and ever so slightly tobacco tin and leather. If you can get through that, and that is an if… there is a strawberry and blackcurrant jam quality to it with some nutty oiliness. That’s it. Heavy, simple, done. P: Similar to the nose, there is an old musty oak quality to the palate, but its backed by juicer and brighter flavours. Theres a slightly gristy and oaty malt that is passable due to a deft touch of honey. The sweetness slowly builds to a savoury yet creamy vanilla custard presence, the oak has done a good job on that. Deeper into the pour and there is some fresh but muted strawberry and something like nutmeg or cloves, I suspect the red wine tannins are doing their thing. F: Medium. Soft, creamy toffee and a nice zing of baking spice. I was struggling to remember what the Fortis was like for comparison. I drank that back on Distiller whisky taste #71 (29th Sept 2022). I vaguely remember it being enjoyable at the time with no real complaints. I looked at my tasting notes, and with the addition of stating that the Nova nose is a little heavy on the feinty notes, my Fortis closing applies just fine: fairly non distinctive and blends into the masses of which there are many other better, more nuanced, and generally cheaper options. Although inoffensive and not badly made it is sadly forgettable. But, to be fair to it; completely enjoyable whilst in the moment. Distiller whisky taste #217 [Pictured here with six interlocking pyrite cubes from the classic locality of Navajun, Spain. The Pyrite (iron sulphide) grew within a layer of Cretaceous aged limey-muds which were gracious enough to allow the formation of perfect cubes that interlock and form long chains. If you ever see linked cubic chains fo perfect pyrite cubes you would be a fool to think it came from anywhere else. Points if you got the pun] Starward running scores: Nova: 3/5 Fortis: 3.25/5 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