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Whisky Review: Starward Australian Single Malt Finished In Lagavulin Barrels

We review Starward Australian Single Malt Finished In Lagavulin Barrels, an Australian red wine barrel aged Australian single malt finished in ex-Lagavulin peated Scotch casks.

OVERALL RATING

10
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Starward Australian Single Malt Finished In Lagavulin Barrels review

Tasting Notes

About:

An Australian red wine barrel-aged Australian single malt finished in ex-Lagavulin peated Scotch casks. It is bottled at 48% ABV and priced at $130.
Appearance:
There’s a nice reddish-amber color in the glass, carrying with it strong viscosity and thick legs.
Nose:
The dual subtle influences of red wine cask and Islay peat cask are noted in the nose, showcasing aromatics of iodine, dry cherries, baked bread, and oak alongside vegetal and a hint of marshmallows.
Palate:
The opening taste of this whisky puts a smile on the mouth, reflecting a carefully crafted whisky blending influences from different parts of the globe. Rich candied cherry notes dance at the front of the tongue, supported by a wisp of smoke. As this shifts around, it draws in hints of oak, banana, plums, a touch of cloves, and that red strawberry-flavored lollipop you loved as a kid.
Finish:
The finish on this is dynamic, with the peat of the Lagavulin casks jumping out most here, giving a nice, but not overpowering, smoky end that lingers.
Comments:
Yes, may we please have another? This whisky is really quite spectacular, dialed in in all the right ways. Get a bottle or three if you can.

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.

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti is the founder of The Whiskey Wash, an award-winning whiskey lifestyle website dedicated to informing and entertaining consumers about whisk(e)y globally. As a whisk(e)y journalist, expert, and judge, he has written extensively about the subject, been interviewed in various media outlets, and provided tasting input on many whiskeys at competitions.

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