Starward Maple Cask Finish

This is a 200 ml bottling that was not released to the public, from an experimental whisky batch from Starward Distillery in Melbourne, Australia. It was given as a referral bonus to members of Australias “The Whisky Club” and bottled around April of 2022. It is a non age statement whisky with very little information available, likely the standard Starward distillate aged in their red wine casks but then finished in maple syrup barrels. Nose: The dried fruits typically found in a red wine cask are present, but a slightly harsh character interferes with what could be some rather pleasant leathery and tobacco notes. Adding a little water allows some of the pleasant elements to emerge. Palate: An initial sharpness contends with round, juicy fruit flavors of raisins and mulled oranges with cloves and spice, but this is matched or overshadowed by a cloying, sticky sweetness. There is virtually no complexity or depth. Water leaves only a sickly sweetness in the mouth. Do not add water. Finish: The finish begins sharply but then becomes long and very warm at the back of the throat, leaving a lingering stickiness on the palate. Towards the end, some of the Christmas mince pie/mulled wine notes attempt to resurface but lack impact. After receiving numerous double golds at the San Francisco Spirits Competition, Starward is considered a major player in world whisky. They experiment, and sometimes their ideas succeed. However, sometimes what seems promising on paper results in a dull disappointment, as is the case here. Points for the concept, certainly. It is unsurprising they were unwilling to risk their growing reputation by attaching a price to this. At least it wasn't a complete waste; I'm sure someone will enjoy it, if only for the exclusivity of this complimentary item.

Nose: Hints of red wine (oh no, another Starward…), alcohol, cooked fruit medley, malt essence, and either golden syrup or molasses. Taste: What the🫠 it can't be 🤨 arrrgh😡 how the 😶 I don't feel well🥹 help me 😢 oh lord 😲 errrrrrrrrrrgh 🤮 pant … pant 😰 wipes tears 😢 from eyes. Sweet heavens, what was that. Excuse me while I go and call a friend on the porcelain telephone … 🤮 heeeeeeerrrrrb 🤮 heeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrb 🤮 Finish: Honestly, I wasn't paying much attention. It likely lingers for far too long. This was a sample generously (?) given by a friend, who I will only forgive because in the same package they provided a sample of the divine liquid that is Port Charlotte 2007 CC:01. This … substance … was seemingly never released by Starward (NO – REALLY??? – YOU AMAZE ME, HOLMES) and was instead bottled for The Whisky Club. I imagine they were compelled to accept it as part of a deal. The aroma is deceptively pleasant and gives no indication of the terrible things lurking in the dark recesses of the taste. The moment it entered my mouth, I almost gagged. It resembled a blend of golden syrup, burned wood, tannin, and raw new spirit. It worsens while it stays in the mouth, finally settling into a sickening, palate-coating emulsion of mixed dried fruit and acrid syrup. Maple syrup cask, you say - harrumph 😡 "Dreadful": 57/100 (0.25 stars, 3 upchucks 🤮🤮🤮)

Aroma: Brown sugar, Dried fruit, Spice Flavor: Green apple, Sweet toffee Finish: Sweet & Piquant