Starward 100 Proof

Price Range: $140-$180
Style: Single malt
Age: No Age Statement
Country: Australia
Region: Victoria
ABV: 50%
Volume: 700ml
Appearance: Copper Bronze
Nose: Heaps of candied fruit and vanilla dominate the nose, with hints of fig and red wine coming through from the barrels. It's an impressive start that promises a lot.
Palate: Sweet fruit up front that slowly fades to cereal, with the malt and spice taking over as it goes.
Finish: Lots of spice, with only a fleeting hint of red berries and plum before it falls a little flat.
Impression: If you have tried this whisky what did you think?
Not for me
I liked it
I loved it!

Starward 100 Proof — 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 matures 100 Proof entirely in American oak barrels that once held big Barossa reds like cabernet and shiraz, then bottles it at a full 50% ABV. It used to be called Fortis. The nose is genuinely impressive and promises so much, with heaps of candied fruit, vanilla, fig and red wine. Based on that, we thought this was going to be amazing and had high expectations, but the palate and finish didn't quite live up to them. The spice and malt are pleasant enough, but we expected the fruit and red wine cask influence to lift the finish, and instead it falls a little flat, with the fruit and wood fading away too quickly. It's still a solid, enjoyable dram. It just promised more than it delivered for us. It picked up Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024, so it clearly has plenty of fans.

- Two Whiskey Guys, 2026

Official website

Food Pairing

Meat

Cheese

Grazing plate

Sweet

Occasion

Best enjoyed with food, since it doesn't carry a strong finish on its own. It pairs well with a juicy grilled steak or roast duck, and even better with dessert, so think banoffee pie or other rich fruity desserts, or a few squares of dark chocolate. A cheese board with vintage cheddar, aged gouda, dried fruits and nuts works nicely too.

Right for you?

If you're looking to support the local Australian scene and want to try a red wine influenced whisky, this is not a bad place to start. It's also worth a look if you like a bit more spice and strength in your dram, as long as you plan to enjoy it with food.