Starward

STARWARD WHISKY DISTILLERY

Australian distiller Starward is clear and concise with its premise. “We offer the world of modern whisky, unshackled from tradition,” the brand boldly states on its website. It’s an idea that has proved very successful for the self-proclaimed New World distillers, and one that is reflected in its industrial-chic distillery.

Home to the brand since 2016, the 3,500 square metre Port Melbourne warehouse offers visitors an insight into Staward’s distillation and unique maturation processes through its open-plan design. Guests can see first-hand the distillation equipment and the 2,500 barrels, mainly apera casks and wine casks, maturing some 120,000 litres of spirit.

Upon entering, there is an unexpected warmth to the bar space, with a large, indoor tree acting as the focal point of the room. The raw and polished timber fixtures and couches are both welcoming and stylish, while the large open bar invites guests to sit down, relax and take a dram or two. As well as Starward’s popular solera and wine cask aged whiskies, the bar serves limited edition expressions from the New World Projects experimental series, available only at the distillery. If taking your whisky neat doesn’t tickle your fancy, there is also a range of cocktails on offer. There is a small menu of cheese and charcuterie boards for those feeling a little peckish. The distillery hosts a range of tours and masterclasses on weekends, so as not to impact on the distillery processes. On the Starward Whisky Distillery Tour, guests are afforded an overview of the whiskies’ production, from mashing in, to fermentation, distillation and ageing the single malt spirit. The experience then ends with a tasting of two 15ml pours of Starward expressions. A more in-depth insight into the production processes and the principles behind Starward is offered in the Starward Whisky Masterclasses. Visitors will learn about the story and vision for the brand’s future, as well as participate in a distillery tour that concludes with an extensive discussion over five samples from the core products and experimental projects ranges. Guests will also have the opportunity to bottle their own mini-bottle of Starward whisky straight from the barrel to include in their takeaway bag of Starward merchandise. Private tours can also be arranged for small or large groups.

ADDRESS: 50 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 T: 03 9005 4420 W: starward.com.au OPENING HOURS: Thursdays: 6pm-10pm Fridays and Saturdays: 12pm-10pm Sundays: 12pm-8pm

TOUR DETAILS AND PRICING: Starward Whisky Distillery Tour: $10pp, 1hr. online bookings. Friday-Sunday: Various times

Starward Whisky Masterclasses: $120pp, 2hr. Online bookings. Saturdays & Sundays: 11:30am

Private tours: Contact Nicola via events@starward.com.au