Starward Nova

Price Range: $90-$120
Style: Single malt
Age: No Age Statement
Country: Australia
Region: Victoria
ABV: 41%
Volume: 700ml
Appearance: Bright amber with a coppery orange tint. Slow, viscous legs on the glass hint at the wine cask's influence on texture.
Nose: The red wine influence comes through straight away, with fresh red berries and a cherry and raspberry compote leading the way from the ex-red wine barrels (typically Australian Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon) that Starward is known for. Underneath sits honeyed malt and vanilla toffee, with subtle oak spice in the background. It's noticeably fruitier and lighter than a sherry cask whisky, with younger, brighter fruit rather than the drier raisin notes you would normally expect, and it opens up nicely in the glass given a few minutes.
Palate: Smooth and approachable, with red berries and stone fruit balanced by sweet malt, gentle oak spice, vanilla and a touch of milk chocolate. Toward the back there's a faint nuttiness that reminded us of macadamia, and the wine cask gives it a soft, slightly chewy texture.
Finish: Medium length, with those red berries lingering before soft oak, dark chocolate and a pleasant warming spice that slowly fades rather than dropping off.
Impression: If you have tried this whisky what did you think?
Not for me
I liked it
I loved it!

Starward Nova — Victoria, Australia Single malt

Impression

If you have tried this whisky what did you think?

Not for me

I liked it

I loved it!

Flavour Profile

Fruit

Malt

Marine

Mineral

Oil

Smoke

Spice

Sweet

Wood

Review

Starward Nova is matured in red wine barrels from nearby Victorian wineries, rather than the usual ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks, and Melbourne's famously erratic 'four seasons in a day' weather pushes the spirit in and out of the wood much faster than a cooler climate would. The result is a young whisky that tastes a lot older than it is. That had us keen to try it, and we enjoyed every drop. The red berry notes from the wine barrels are there from the first sip, but they never take over, and they sit nicely alongside the sweet malt and gentle oak spice. What impressed us most was the balance at this price point. It isn't the most complex whisky we have tried, and it doesn't pretend to be, but it's very approachable and interesting enough to keep you coming back. It's picked up Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition more than once, including in 2021, so we're clearly not alone in liking it. If you're just starting to explore Australian whisky, this is an excellent place to begin, and at around $100 it's genuine value. We'd happily recommend it to friends.

- Two Whiskey Guys, 2020

Official website

Food Pairing

Meat

Roast Duck

Cheese

Grazing plate

Nuts

Sweet

Occasion

A relaxed evening with friends, or introducing someone to Australian whisky for the first time. It works well after dinner with some dark chocolate or a rich fruity dessert, or on a cheese board with vintage cheddar and aged gouda. Great as a gift for those exploring craft whiskies, and well priced enough that you won't feel guilty opening it on a weeknight.

Right for you?

If you enjoy fruity whiskies with a bit of red wine character, or you're curious about Australian whisky and want a low-risk place to start, then Nova is a great pick. It's also an easy, well-priced gift for anyone keen to explore craft whisky beyond the usual Scotch and Bourbon.