Starward x Lagavulin: A Limited Fusion of Distinct Flavors Hits the Dutch Market

Starward & Lagavulin Collaborate: A Fusion of Australian and Scottish Whisky Traditions

Salud Spirits, a Dutch distributor, has introduced a unique blend to the Netherlands: Starward’s limited edition Lagavulin cask-finished whisky. This exclusive offering, capped at 90 bottles, is now available for pre-order.

Starward, an Australian whisky brand, has meticulously matured its new make spirit in red wine barrels for over two years. Following this, the spirit underwent an 18-month finishing process in peated Scotch barrels from Scotland’s renowned Lagavulin Distillery.

The result is a whisky with a complex profile: nectarine and pineapple aromas, a hint of iodine, and a palate featuring tropical chargrilled pineapple, black tea, and a lingering finish with notes of tropical fruit and subtle oak.

David Vitale, founder of Starward, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, highlighting it as a pinnacle of Australian innovation and Scottish whisky-making tradition.

Owned by Diageo, Starward has received support from Diageo’s Distill Ventures since 2015. This collaboration with Lagavulin, another Diageo-owned distillery, exemplifies the synergy between the two whisky cultures.

The Starward team, including Production Director Sam Slaney, gained valuable insights from a visit to the Lagavulin Distillery. The stark contrast between the Scottish and Australian landscapes and climates, they observed, profoundly influences the distinct flavors in each whisky.

Ambitious in its vision, Starward aims to rank among the top five global whisky makers. This goal was bolstered by its success at the World Whisky Masters 2023, where it secured multiple masters medals.

Priced at €120 (US$131), the Starward x Lagavulin whisky will be available from mid-December in select Dutch whisky shops. For pre-orders, customers can reach out via [email protected].