At 100 proof (50% ABV), this Starward expression delivers significantly more intensity and complexity than their standard bottlings. The higher alcohol content acts as a solvent, extracting deeper flavours from the Australian wine barrels during maturation, while also providing a more visceral drinking experience. This strength allows the blackberry, plum, and vanilla notes to present with greater definition and staying power on the palate.

Starward's use of Australian wine barrels creates a distinctly different flavour journey compared to traditional Scotch whisky aged in ex-bourbon or sherry casks. The residual tannins and fruit compounds from Australian red wines infuse the spirit with those characteristic blackberry and plum notes, while the local climate's temperature variations accelerate the maturation process. This results in a whisky that captures the essence of Australian winemaking terroir in liquid form.

Over 15 years, Starward has pioneered a uniquely Australian approach to whisky making, rejecting the notion of simply copying Scottish or American methods. Their philosophy of embracing local ingredients, climate, and wine barrel maturation has inspired countless other Australian distilleries to develop their own regional identity. Their Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validates this innovative approach on the international stage.

The full-bodied nature and fruit-forward profile make this whisky exceptional with rich, umami-driven dishes like aged beef, game meats, or strong cheeses. The blackberry and plum characteristics complement dark chocolate desserts beautifully, while the vanilla undertones pair wonderfully with barbecued meats - a natural match for Australian cuisine. The 100 proof strength also makes it robust enough to stand up to spicy Asian dishes.

At 100 proof, this whisky rewards both approaches depending on your preference and experience level. Neat, it delivers maximum impact and allows you to experience the full intensity of the wine barrel influence and complex fruit notes. Adding a few drops of water opens up additional aromatics and can tame the alcohol heat, revealing subtler vanilla and oak characteristics that might be masked at full strength.