Starward Whisky has become a local hero over the last 15 years, finding its humble and loving home in many bar shelves and bar carts – in bars, pubs, restaurants and many homes across the country.
Starward is an obvious bartender favourite, popping up on many curated cocktail lists in some of the best bars going around, but in Melbourne, you can go straight to the source. The Starward distillery is located in an airy and open warehouse space in Port Melbourne, within close proximity to the Melbourne CBD. The distillery offers many tours, masterclasses and tastings, offering a whisky experience for every type of whisky drinker. Visit the distillery to learn the ins and outs of Starward's secrets, such as why they use red wine barrels to mature the whisky and why Melbourne's climate is so crucial to the development of the final product.
The distillery also houses a bar which offers up seasonal cocktails and snacks that makes a perfect pit stop for afternoon drinking. You can also sample 15ml or 30ml pours of Starward's range of whiskies, or go for a tasting flight, which is an efficient way to get acquainted with the golden liquor. Snack on cheese or charcuterie boards, and if you're in for a big afternoon, line your stomach with the three-cheese toastie served with mustard and spicy pickles.
This year, Starward is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the release of the limited edition Vitalis. Named after Starward's founder, David Vitale, Vitalis is a spirited concoction that encapsulates the brand in a bottle. The brand has always had a strong focus on creating whisky that pairs easily with food, and the limited-edition release is said to have notes of chocolate-coated pineapples, coffee beans and tropical fruits.
A visit to the Starward distillery should be on every Melburnian's to-do list, and is also a great spot to take out-of-towners. Cheers to 15 years Starward – we are grateful to share our great city with you.