Starward Australian Whisky Single Cask Release

Sampled two excellent single cask selections. One from 2019, aged in French red wine barrels for Astor wines at 55.4% abv, and another from 2020, aged in American red wine barrels for Drammers Club at 55.5% abv. Both presented similar profiles, though the Astor Wines Cask pick was slightly spicier and reminiscent of Armagnac, while the Drammers Club pick was sweeter and more like a dessert wine. Starward 2019 Astor Wines Cask Nose: Tart cherries, strawberries, raspberries, milk chocolate, raisins, prunes, peaches, figs, dates, red apples, leather, coffee, dark chocolate, ginger, oranges, licorice, bananas, coconut Palate: Raisins, figs, prunes, toffee, dates, cherry cola, milk chocolate, red apples, nutmeg, hazelnuts, almonds, tobacco, violets, cloves, licorice, ginger Finish: Pepper, nutmeg, dark chocolate, raisins, strawberries, coffee, vanilla, prunes, sultanas, dates, figs Starward Drammers Cask Nose: Milk chocolate, raisins, raspberries, anise, coffee, sultanas, figs, dates, tart cherries, toffee, brown sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, coconuts Palate: Raisins, figs, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, raspberries, dates, prunes, coffee, nutmeg, walnuts, red apples Finish: Raisins, figs, dark chocolate, red apples, prunes, dates, coffee, toffee, red apples, coconuts

Possesses a flavor profile more mature than its age suggests. The wine barrel maturation contributes to complex flavors, presenting a profile akin to a bourbon-port hybrid.

Slightly reminiscent of wine, but generally quite good.

Prominent spices. A bit harsh and dry.