Starward Nova Single Malt

Nova is part of the core range along with Fortis and Solera, and their grain counterpart “Two Grain”. Nova spends its life maturing in French oak casks that previously held Australian red wine; Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet. The casks come from the wineries, are lightly charred or steamed and then the spirit goes in. This is what Starward originally built their identity around; Australian Whisky made with Australian Wine casks. They still claim this is the case, but I’d argue their growing list of offerings flies in the face of that. Anyway, onwards with Nova N: Oak. Oak is definitely first and foremost. A little musty and ever so slightly tobacco tin and leather. If you can get through that, and that is an if… there is a strawberry and blackcurrant jam quality to it with some nutty oiliness. That’s it. Heavy, simple, done. P: Similar to the nose, there is an old musty oak quality to the palate, but its backed by juicer and brighter flavours. Theres a slightly gristy and oaty malt that is passable due to a deft touch of honey. The sweetness slowly builds to a savoury yet creamy vanilla custard presence, the oak has done a good job on that. Deeper into the pour and there is some fresh but muted strawberry and something like nutmeg or cloves, I suspect the red wine tannins are doing their thing. F: Medium. Soft, creamy toffee and a nice zing of baking spice. I was struggling to remember what the Fortis was like for comparison. I drank that back on Distiller whisky taste #71 (29th Sept 2022). I vaguely remember it being enjoyable at the time with no real complaints. I looked at my tasting notes, and with the addition of stating that the Nova nose is a little heavy on the feinty notes, my Fortis closing applies just fine: fairly non distinctive and blends into the masses of which there are many other better, more nuanced, and generally cheaper options. Although inoffensive and not badly made it is sadly forgettable. But, to be fair to it; completely enjoyable whilst in the moment. Distiller 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 juicy nose with aromas of barley, blossoms, and berries beckons. Big red wine notes of ruby port to start, 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. Nose: 9 Palate: 8 Body: 8 Finish: 8

Being greatly and pleasantly surprised by the Starward single malt, I decided to buy a bottle of Nova, ripened in red wine barrels. I expect a lot from it actually. Lovely, sweet nose of vanilla and chocolate, with a hint of soft, red fruit and tangerines. Mint. Taste is a bomb of fruity sweetness, actually bringing the nose back into the flavour. Citrus. Vanilla yoghurt. Baked cookies. Very good taste overall. The aftertaste is a complete different story, because after swallowing, a strong whiff of wood and liquorice root hits the mouth. Dry mouthfeel. No burn. Hint of bitterness. It's a great composition alltogether, the bitter aftertaste brings a balance to this sweet and fresh whisky, which would otherwise be too sweet. Not too difficult, but special enough for the price. Very nice malt!

These notes are from a blind tasting (Flaviar Advent Calendar) The smell is muted but I can get some red and green apples, and pears. Pretty nice. It doesn’t jump out of the glass, you have to go looking for it but what you find is nice. The taste is spicy red fruit, baking spice, and a strong red wine grape sour element but in a good way. Black pepper, clove, menthol, and mint. The finish is medium/long with the clove and mint really showing up and hanging around late. This is a nice surprise in the Flaviar box. What’s even better is the taste delivered above the smell. Would be happy to have this anytime.  Overall Grade: B - (Good)

A rich, Single Malt Whisky by David Vitale founder of the Starward Distillery in Melbourne, Australia made with locally sourced barley & aged for 2 years in un-charred casks that come from vineyards in Victoria which previously held Shiraz, Cabernet or Pinot. It has a spicy-sweet birth with notes of nuts, red wine, dried & tropical fruits; while a complex & creamy life adds notes of red fruits, strawberry, honey, cinnamon, fresh oak spice & red wine; that led to a dry & oaky death with notes of marmalade, toffee, walnut & baking spices. January / May / October 2020 / January / March 2021 / August / December 2022 / December 2024

Wow! A whiskey from Australia! This is a first for me. I'd love to visit its source Sydney one day. Anyways, on to the pour. I liked the nose. It had a sweet fruit, oak, and a hint of brown sugar essence about it. My palate was able to get the wine barreling in the form of berries, vanilla, and some woody characteristics. Twas very easy to drink and had a bit of a dry finish. I'd say this was a good intro to what the land down under has to offer. Hopefully, I can try more down the road.