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Starward Lagavulin Cask Finish Review

Can a red-wine-matured Aussie malt turn smoky and coastal in Islay casks? Starward x Lagavulin delivers ripe fruit, salt, peat and ash.

OVERALL RATING

9
$160
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

A limited-edition single malt which combines Australian curiosity with Scottish tradition. In a first for Australian brand Starward, this release was crafted in collaboration with Scotland’s iconic Islay distillery, Lagavulin. First matured in red wine barrels, Starward’s spirit was then finished for 18 months in casks sourced from Lagavulin, previously used to mature the renowned peated Islay whisky. Bottled at 48% ABV.
Appearance:
Red Amber (with a rusty hue)
Nose:
Fruity aromas of charred grilled pineapple and nectarine, accompanied by slight jammy red berries and plums. There is also some maritime salinity and soft earthy peat.
Palate:
Lots of bold ripe red fruits open on the palate, with red berries, grapes, and plums accompanied by a touch of apple and peach before the tropical notes of grilled pineapple and nectarines return. These are balanced by a salty coastal note, earthy peat and subtle ashy bonfire smoke, with a touch of peppery oak.
Finish:
Medium-long finish, becomes slowly drying with oak. Flashes of the red and tropical fruits return, but earthy peat and ashy smoke linger.
Comments:
An innovative release from Starward, the red wine barrel maturation and ex-Islay Lagavulin casks for finishing interact well. The bold red and tropical fruit notes are clearly defined, the charred pineapple is very distinctive, but without the slightly bitter oaky tannins which can be characteristic of red wine barrel maturation. The fruity notes are complemented by the coastal salt, earthy peat and ashy smoke imparted by the 18-month finish in the Lagavulin casks.

This was a wonderfully fruity, yet smoky, whisky which I found very moreish. Compared with other Starward releases it does have a slightly higher price point, no doubt reflecting the Lagavulin collaboration. I’d be curious to compare alongside Starward’s Unexpeated expression which also uses ex-Islay whisky casks for finishing.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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