Register now for Starward’s 15-year anniversary whisky, Vitalis

The ballot is now open for Starward’s 15-year anniversary single malt, the special commemorative and collectable Vitalis.

Vitalis is a single malt whisky which represents Starward’s journey to date and marks 15 years since Starward Founder David Vitale’s bold endeavour to start a Melbourne distillery and mature whisky in Australian red wine barrels.

Vitale said: “Fifteen years ago, when I decided to have a go at creating an approachable whisky for all, I could only have hoped that it would take Starward on this trajectory. Great whiskies speak to the place that they are made, and to be able to share a Melbourne-made, flavour forward whisky with the world for over 15 years… well, that is something that I will forever be grateful for.

“It feels like only yesterday when I was inspired by Australia’s famed wine regions and asked myself the question; ‘why aren’t people maturing whisky in red wine barrels?’. This is the thought that catapulted Starward into the bold and award-winning distillery it is today. It’s been a wild and white-knuckled ride since then, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“This is why we are so excited to bring Vitalis to the world. To not only celebrate our highs and lows, but to also continue looking forward to the stars and the new horizons for Starward.”

Starward’s distillers searched the distillery’s barrel hall to select special parcels that would tell the Starward story. The red wine barrel influence is at the core of Starward and is the star of the Vitalis show, then there a tawny, bourbon, apera and rum barrels in the whisky because of their connection to Starward’s 15-year journey.

The result is a complex yet balanced and fruit forward whisky, with tasting notes describing Vitalis as “ripe and fruity meaning it’s instantly recognisable as a Starward whisky, however it offers something a little more as it unravels. On the nose, chewy toffee gives way to raisins and chocolate-coated pineapples. On the palate you’ll be met with rich dried fruits, ripe red currants and hints of lightly roasted coffee beans. All balanced with Starward’s quintessential tropical notes. A delicate balance of fruit and oak leave a long and creamy finish”.

The ballot to register for the opportunity to buy Vitalis is now open on the Starward website, and will close on 4 November. Select bottles available at fine spirit retailers around the world from November 2022.