Australian single malt producer Starward has announced the UK release of Starward x Lagavulin, a limited-edition whisky finished in ex-Lagavulin casks. The expression will be available from March 2026 through premium drinks distributor Speciality Brands at selected on and off-trade partners, priced at £125.
The Melbourne-based distillery sourced barrels from the iconic Islay distillery Lagavulin, known globally for its intensely smoky peated single malt Scotch whisky. Starward’s team used the casks to add depth and a savory maritime character to its signature red wine barrel-matured spirit.
Bottled at 48% ABV, the whisky begins maturation in Australian red wine barrels before transferring into ex-Lagavulin casks. The brand says the process builds structure while introducing a coastal peat influence to the tropical fruit profile of Starward’s base spirit.
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READ THE STORYStarward founder David Vitale said: “My earliest inspiration for Starward was to create a deliciously distinctive whisky, and while we certainly hit that brief with our red wine barrel matured whisky, what whisky better epitomizes distinctively delicious than Lagavulin?”
Vitale added: “Sourcing these barrels to create this exciting expression gives us a magical moment to celebrate the very best of Australian curiosity and Scottish tradition.”
Official tasting notes from the brand describe the color as amber gold. The nose offers yellow nectarine, a touch of peat, pineapple, and a hint of iodine. On the palate, the whisky is initially very tropical, with char-grilled pineapple, black tea, and a touch of brine. The finish delivers drying ash followed by tropical fruits and a touch of oak.
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Only small quantities of the expression will be available in the UK market.
Starward was founded in Melbourne and sources its ingredients within a day’s drive of its distillery. The brand selects barrels from local vineyards and leverages Melbourne’s rapidly changing climate to accelerate maturation.
Speciality Brands, the UK distributor handling the release, is led by managing director Chris Seale. The company’s portfolio includes Japanese whisky brands Nikka and Chichibu, as well as American whiskey producer Michter’s and Italian vermouth house Cocchi.
The collaboration marks one of a growing number of cross-continental cask-exchange projects between Australian and Scottish whisky producers, reflecting rising global interest in Australian single malt as a category.
