2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Starward, Cask No. 1867, Australian Single Malt Whisky (58.2%)

The first ever cask of Australian Single Malt bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd is a Starward from New World Whisky Distillery in Victoria. Founded in 2016 the distillery uses 100% Australian barley and fills into a variety of ex-Australian wine casks. This whisky was matured full term in a first fill ex-Apera cask; Australian fortified wine in a similar style to sherry.

The nose offers lashings of sherry wood and powerful oak initially, a little time is needed for the subtle notes of stewed pears, and dried apricots to emerge. More dried fruit and oak dominate the palate; however, the distillate begins to show offering ripe tropical fruit, marzipan and cherries. The finish is exceptionally long and slightly drying giving notes of baking spice and vanilla.