Starward Vitalis

Moving five years ahead, I'm now sampling another anniversary malt from Starward, this time the Vitalis 15th Anniversary bottling. This limited release is a blend of six of their whiskies. Components were chosen from Tawny (Australian Port), Bourbon, Apera (first and second fill), and rum barrels. The spirits were aged between four and ten years before being combined into Vitalis. Apparently, however, the key element here should be the red wine barrels for which Starward aims to be recognized. Nose: Slightly oily with a subdued dark toffee presence. A bit of mustiness and a faint tannic malt presence, raisins, cocoa powder, cedar chips, and perhaps tobacco. Palate: Large, robust, and thick. Initially, this presented a rather intense wave, but a more cautious approach reveals bitter cocoa, a vast array of dried fruits reminiscent of a supermarket bakery aisle, dark chocolate, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper. A hint of espresso, toasted oak, warm malt, and treacle toffee. Finish: Long. Warming with a gentle balance of oak and red fruits, leading to an oily residual presence. Is there also toasted coconut? The nose is not as rich and luscious as its 10th-anniversary younger sibling, but it is dark and potent in its own right. The blend this time comes across as more mature, but also a little harsher for it. The palate follows suit, offering a substantial amount of flavor and character, but it's not as velvety as the 10th anniversary. This palate is decadent in a much more rugged manner. The Tawny's influence is certainly noticeable. The malt and pepper evoke memories of the Projects Bourbon Cask, and the dried fruits and chocolate notes are clearly from the Apera and red wine. The significant improvement in this 15th Anniversary is its finish; it's far more balanced with the rest of the experience and leaves a satisfying impression. Objectively, is it better overall than the 10th anniversary? Yes, I believe so. Imperfections are not hidden behind a facade of decadence; this is punchy, developed, and unyielding. It won't appeal to everyone, but it's superior to the 10th. The more crucial question, however, is did I enjoy it more than the 10th? No, not really. They belong in different categories and each has its place. A worthy release from Starward and worth trying, in my opinion. Overall Starward scores: 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, Hungarian Oak: 3/5 Small Batch, Sticky Toffee Apple: 3.25/5 Small Batch, Chardonnay: 4/5

Tasted blind. Nose: subtle. Flavor: a simple, standard Speyside profile. Wood influence: bourbon, possibly Sauternes finish. Score: 3.25 stars Comments: a slight off-putting aftertaste. Distillery identity: unknown.

Nose: Leather, tropical fruit Palate: Rich, full, spicy, round Finish: Bold and spicy Remarkably deep flavors with a long-lasting finish.

Aroma: 4/5 Taste: 3.25/5 End: 2.5/5

Pleasant.