Starward Two-Fold Double Grain

Damn. I wasn't keen on reviewing this, having finished notes on the Starward core range. Twenty-one previous reviews had left me worn out. But, then someone gifted me a bottle. Sigh. This is Two Fold, the 'budget' offering from Starward; composed of 60% wheat, 40% malted barley, and aged two years in Australian red wine barrels. Their marketing suggests Starward doesn't intend for this to be enjoyed neat. They prefer it mixed, consumed with food, or diluted. There's a chance this might not be very kind. Nose: A bit thin, with harsh ethanol/acetone burn on the edges. Very fruity and sweet, showing notes of plum, cherry, dates, and oily-nutty malt. The aroma isn't bad, but its youth and rough edges prevent you from simply savoring it. Palate: Juicy and plump. Lots of clove and nutmeg mingle with vanilla-fudge and crunchy brown sugar. Bright with berries, peach, plum, and a touch of buttery nuttiness. Finish: Medium. Slightly tannic brown sugar, cinnamon, and black pepper, with a somewhat watery strawberry. Okay. It's not terrible. It's surprisingly just fine. But, it's incredibly dull. The fruitiness is extremely generic, with only a passing interest from the oak spice. I wouldn't advise anyone to spend AUD$70 on a forgettable experience meant for cocktails. So, my potentially unkind comment is: meh, what's the point? [Pictured with a Serpentinite from Port Macquarie on the East Coast of Australia. Serpentinite is a rock made of serpentine group minerals. Serpentinisation is a low-temperature metamorphic process common in subduction zones, altering rocks from the upper mantle or oceanic crusts. These rocks oxidize and hydrolyze with water into serpentine minerals. This serpentinite formed during subduction zone metamorphism about 500 million years ago. It's not particularly striking to look at, which seems fitting for this dram.] Starward running scores Two Fold: 2.5 Nova: 3/5 Fortis: 3.25/5 Solera: 3.75/5 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: 2/5 Small Batch, Mesquite Wood Smoked: 2/5 Small Batch, Hungarian Oak: 3/5 Small Batch, Sticky Toffee Apple: 3.25/5 Small Batch, Chardonnay: 4/5 Whisky Loot Single Barrel Single Malt Exclusive: 3.5/5 Smoke & Mirrors Single Cask Oak Barrel Exclusive: 3.75/5 Ex-Apple Brandy LMDW Antipodes Single Cask: 4.5/5

Sweet wheat and mild malt combine. A subdued note is initially prominent. After a few minutes, notes of confectionary sugar, golden honey malted grains, a touch of apple, sweet almond blossoms, deep undertones of red currant, and a hint of hazelnut spread add richness to the aroma. The palate is quite sweet but not excessively so, balanced by a subtle cola-like spice. It bears a resemblance to blended Irish whiskey but with a wine influence hinting at sherried scotch. Subtle caramelized red fruits, vanilla, and honey coat the tongue. It's akin to crème brûlée with berry compote. It also coats the glass, forming uniform legs with distinct teardrops that descend slowly and thinly, while offering a slightly richer mouthfeel. The finish is somewhat short, berry-forward, mildly dry, with fairly nutty tannins. It evokes trail mix with raisins, dried cranberries, skin-on almonds, hazelnuts, and a few bittersweet chocolate chips. In summary, it's approachable, interesting, and easy to drink. Nose: 9 Taste: 9 Body: 8 Finish: 7

Wrapping up the last of this bottle. I initially noticed it on ReserveBar for a good cost, and as I've wanted to explore whiskies from beyond the US, I really liked the concept of an Australian spirit. My conclusion is that it's solid. I'd rate it a little better than typical. The double grain approach definitely aids in harmonizing it. For those seeking a typical whiskey served over ice, this is a suitable selection. It also possesses some sweetness, making it quite adaptable for mixed drinks. You also notice the alcohol's heat pretty fast. The sole drawback could be that it dilutes ice quicker than any beverage I've encountered, leading to a watery experience rapidly. To counter this, I suggest using a chilling sphere or consuming it neat— particularly with those unique, mountain-crafted whiskey tumblers that can be chilled in the freezer.

The nose offers a traditional wheated cherry scent that quickly evolves into a Speyside-style honeyed green apple. Floral hints are also present. The taste is very sweet, with honey, some cherry, and cinnamon, plus a notable influence from a red wine barrel. The body is surprisingly substantial for only 40% ABV. Each component can be distinctly identified. While not exceptional or intricate, it is remarkably easy to drink and approachable, without any unpleasant qualities. The price is also hard to beat. I intend to keep one bottle and give others as gifts to friends new to whiskey.

Even with more wheat than malt, the malt's presence is more pronounced. A wave of malty grain, vanilla, caramel, walnuts, and oak arrives. Subsequently, some dried grass, additional caramel, and oak tannins blend with sweeter red fruit flavors. The ending is somewhat peppery and warm, particularly for an 80 proof spirit. The finish is extended and, as I noted, spicy, with a tannic fruit character emerging. It's a decent value for what I spent ($26). I appreciate unusual grain combinations and barrel finishes, and this has both. A nice choice for casual drinking.

An amazing whisky sampled out of curiosity. It begins softly and sweetly with notes of strawberry candy and panna cotta, vanilla, and toasted almonds. The color is a beautiful dark yellow to brown. The aroma is surprisingly inviting. The mouthfeel is thick and substantial, feeling soft and juicy. Flavors include caramel, fudge, Dutch Speculaas spices, sweetness, and creaminess, with a subtle beer-like dryness. The finish has soft tannins, a hint of fruit like plums and ripe berries, ending with a smooth kick. It's wonderfully balanced and very impressive.