Starward Nova Single Malt

Nova is part of the main lineup alongside Fortis and Solera, plus their grain spirit called “Two Grain”. Nova ages in French oak barrels that previously contained Australian red wine, specifically Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet. These barrels originate from wineries, are given a light char or steam treatment before the spirit is added. This approach is how Starward initially established its brand identity: Australian Whisky crafted with Australian Wine casks. While they maintain this is still their focus, I'd contend that their expanding selection of products contradicts that assertion. Moving on to Nova. Nose: Oak is the dominant element, upfront and center. It carries a slight mustiness, with hints of tobacco tin and leather. If you can get past that, and it's a significant 'if', you'll find a jammy quality of strawberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by some oily nuttiness. That's the extent of it. It's heavy, straightforward, and finished. Palate: Similar to the aroma, there's an aged, musty oak presence on the palate, but it's supported by juicier, brighter notes. A somewhat grainy, oaty malt comes through, which is acceptable due to a subtle touch of honey. The sweetness gradually increases to a savory yet smooth vanilla custard character; the oak has done well in this regard. Further into the tasting, some fresh but subdued strawberry appears, along with a spice like nutmeg or cloves, likely from the red wine tannins. Finish: Moderate in length. Smooth, creamy toffee with a pleasant zing of baking spice. I was having trouble recalling the specifics of the Fortis for comparison. I sampled that previously on [redacted] whisky taste #71 (29th Sept 2022). I have a vague recollection of enjoying it without any significant issues. I reviewed my tasting notes, and adding the observation that the Nova's nose is somewhat heavy with feinty notes, my conclusion for the Fortis still holds: it's rather unremarkable and gets lost among many other options that are superior, more complex, and generally less expensive. While not unpleasant and competently made, it's sadly forgettable. However, to be fair, it's entirely enjoyable in the moment. [Redacted] whisky taste #217 [Pictured here with six interlocking pyrite cubes from the classic locality of Navajun, Spain. The Pyrite (iron sulphide) grew within a layer of Cretaceous aged limey-muds which were gracious enough to allow the formation of perfect cubes that interlock and form long chains. If you ever see linked cubic chains fo perfect pyrite cubes you would be a fool to think it came from anywhere else. Points if you got the pun] Starward running scores: Nova: 3/5 Fortis: 3.25/5 10th Anniversary: 4.25/5 Vitalis 15th Anniversary: 4.5/5 Whisky Club Exclusive, Maple Cask: 2/5 Whisky Club Exclusive, Cognac Cask: 3.5/5 Projects, Octave Barrels: 3.75/5 Projects, Dolce: 2.25/5 Projects, Bourbon Cask: 3.5/5 Projects, Tawny #2: 3.5/5 Projects, UnExpeated: 3.75/5 Projects, Peated: 2.75/5 Small Batch, Cherry Wood Smoked: /5 Small Batch, Hungarian Oak: 3/5 Small Batch, Sticky Toffee Apple: 3.25/5 Small Batch, Chardonnay: 4/5

A vibrant aroma with hints of barley, blossoms, and berries beckons. Big red wine notes of ruby port at first, quickly followed by golden honey, lightly toasted cereals, sharp fresh strawberries in a strawberry balsamic, a dollop of vanilla cream, a hint of red delicious apple, red pears, a touch of rose, plus a pinch of cocoa, and finally caramel. A little hot and prickly on the tongue, revealing its youth, but still quite enjoyable. Initially syrupy sweet, honey with a hint of chocolate, then quickly followed by a nice citrus hit, sour orange and ruby grapefruit, along with some hot pepper and cinnamon. Then the sweetness returns with strawberry jam, musky grape, and a little nuttiness taking it from scotch to cream sherry territory. Medium bodied, with a milky texture. Legs are fast at first but multilayered and interesting, streaking down the glass at the start, but ending up in a beautiful ring of heavy udders. The finish is moderate in length, fairly dry yet soft and pleasant. Chocolate covered raisins, a hint of maple, a drop of balsamic glaze, walnut like oak tannins, and vanillin. Aroma: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 8 Conclusion: 8

Greatly and pleasantly surprised by the Starward single malt, I decided to purchase a bottle of Nova, which was matured in red wine barrels. I have high expectations for it. A lovely, sweet nose of vanilla and chocolate, with a hint of soft red fruit and tangerines. Mint is also present. The taste is an explosion of fruity sweetness, effectively bringing the nose's character into the flavor. Citrus, vanilla yogurt, and baked cookies are detected. Overall, a very good taste. The aftertaste is a completely different experience, as after swallowing, a strong aroma of wood and liquorice root hits the mouth. It has a dry mouthfeel with no burn. A hint of bitterness is present. It's a great composition overall; the bitter aftertaste balances this sweet and fresh whisky, which might otherwise be too sweet. It's not overly challenging but is special enough for the price. A very nice malt!

These impressions are from a blind tasting out of an advent calendar. The aroma is subtle but I detect some apples (both red and green) and pears. Quite nice. It doesn't immediately present itself; you have to seek it out, but what you find is pleasant. The taste offers spicy red fruit, notes of baking spice, and a pronounced red wine grape tartness, which is appealing. Black pepper, clove, and menthol/mint are also present. The finish is medium to long, with the clove and mint lingering noticeably. A pleasant surprise from the advent calendar. Even better, the taste surpassed the aroma. I would happily drink this anytime. Overall Rating: B - (Good)

This rich Single Malt Whisky was made with locally sourced barley and aged for 2 years in un-charred casks that previously held Shiraz, Cabernet, or Pinot. It starts spicy-sweet with notes of nuts, red wine, and dried & tropical fruits. A complex & creamy middle adds notes of red fruits, strawberry, honey, cinnamon, fresh oak spice & red wine. It finishes dry & oaky with notes of marmalade, toffee, walnut & baking spices.

Wow! A whiskey from Australia! This is a first for me. I would love to visit its origin, Sydney, someday. Anyway, let's get to the drink. I enjoyed the aroma. It had a sweet fruit, oak, and a hint of brown sugar scent. My palate detected the wine barreling in the form of berries, vanilla, and some woody notes. It was very easy to drink and had a slightly dry finish. I'd say this was a good introduction to what the country down under has to offer. Hopefully, I can try more in the future.