Starward Nova – 70cl
Starward Solera - 70cl
Starward Two Fold – 70cl
Starward Whisky
The most genuinely landmark modern Australian whisky distillery. Founded 2007 by David Vitale in Melbourne, Victoria — over 18 years of continuous heritage. Pioneer of the Australian red wine cask programme — Starward matures whisky exclusively in Australian red wine barrels (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir) sourced from major Victorian and South Australian wineries (Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Mornington Peninsula). Starward Nova won World's Best Single Malt at World Whiskies Awards 2018 — joining Kavalan (2015) and Teeling (2019) in TLC's distinguished World's Best Single Malt winners sub-cluster. Diageo's Distill Ventures programme is a minority investor — Starward remains a Vitale-led independent operation. The Nova (Australian red wine cask single malt), the Solera (Apera Australian sherry-style cask, solera system), and the Two Fold (blended Australian whisky combining wheat and barley spirits, Australian red wine barrels). Buy Starward Australian Whisky online in Singapore with free delivery.
Buy Starward Australian Whisky in Singapore
Starward is the most genuinely landmark modern Australian whisky distillery — founded in 2007 by David Vitale in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, with over 18 years of continuous heritage as the most globally recognised modern Australian whisky brand. Starward is now headquartered at a purpose-built distillery in Port Melbourne, where the brand produces Australian single malt whisky and blended Australian whisky. The brand's defining innovation is the systematic Australian red wine cask programme — Starward matures whisky exclusively in Australian red wine barrels (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir) sourced from major Victorian and South Australian wineries. Starward Nova won World's Best Single Malt at World Whiskies Awards 2018. The Liquid Collection stocks the comprehensive Starward range available in Singapore — including the Starward Nova (70cl, $100.00 SGD sale price vs $180.00 SGD RRP — Australian single malt matured exclusively in Australian red wine barrels — Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, the brand's signature flagship and 2018 World's Best Single Malt winner), the Starward Solera (70cl, $111.00 SGD sale price vs $144.00 SGD RRP — Australian single malt matured using the solera system in Australian Apera Australian sherry-style wine casks, continuous fractional blending across multiple casks delivering layered complexity), and the Starward Two Fold (70cl, $79.00 SGD sale price vs $160.00 SGD RRP — blended Australian whisky combining wheat and barley spirits both matured in Australian red wine barrels, accessible everyday Starward expression). Diageo's Distill Ventures programme is a minority investor — Starward remains a David Vitale-led independent operation.
Every bottle ships free across Singapore with no minimum order and standard 3-working-day delivery. Browse the Starward selection above, or explore the wider whisky category, the broader World Whisky selection, the other World's Best Single Malt winners at Kavalan (Taiwan, 2015 winner) and Teeling (Ireland, 2019 winner), the modern revival cluster at Nc'nean Scottish modern revival and Compass Box independent Scotch blender, the Indian World Whisky at Amrut, our luxury gifts selection, or the prestige Fine & Rare range.
Starward — Key Facts at a Glance
- Brand
- Starward
- Founded
- 2007 by David Vitale, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Distinctive Position
- The most globally recognised modern Australian whisky distillery
- Region/Country
- Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Defining Innovation
- Australian red wine cask programme — Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir from Victorian and South Australian wineries
- House Style
- Australian red wine cask character — rich red fruit (raspberry, cherry, plum), tannin structure, climate-driven intensity
- Range
- Nova (single malt, Australian red wine barrels) · Solera (single malt, Apera Australian sherry-style cask, solera system) · Two Fold (blended Australian whisky, wheat + barley)
- Major Award
- Starward Nova — World's Best Single Malt at World Whiskies Awards 2018
- WBSM Sub-Cluster
- Joins Kavalan (2015) and Teeling (2019) at TLC
- Founder
- David Vitale (continues as Founder and creative director)
- Minority Investor
- Diageo Distill Ventures (early-stage venture investment)
- Bottle Size
- 70cl all expressions
2007 to today — David Vitale and the modern Australian whisky revolution
Starward was founded in 2007 by David Vitale in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — over 18 years of continuous heritage as the most globally recognised modern Australian whisky distillery. The 2007 founding date places Starward as a contemporary modern world whisky brand alongside Kavalan (Taiwan, 2005) and Teeling (Ireland, 2012 modern revival) — three landmark modern world whisky brands that have together transformed the global whisky landscape since 2000. Starward originally launched at Federation Distillery, Vitale's first production facility, before relocating to a larger purpose-built distillery in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The Port Melbourne facility allows Starward to produce at scale while maintaining the brand's craft credentials and continuing David Vitale's leadership of creative direction.
Starward's defining moment came in 2018, when Starward Nova won World's Best Single Malt at World Whiskies Awards — a genuinely landmark recognition that established the brand globally. The 2018 win came shortly after Diageo's Distill Ventures programme made a minority investment in Starward, validating the brand's craft credentials with major spirits group support. Vitale is widely credited with establishing modern Australian whisky on the global stage alongside historical pioneers like Bill Lark (Lark Distillery, Tasmania, founded 1992) — together with David Vitale (Starward), Bill Lark (Lark), and the Sullivans Cove team have transformed Australian whisky from a niche craft category into a globally-recognised whisky region. Vitale's vision for Starward was specifically to create a genuinely Australian whisky identity rather than imitating Scottish or Irish whisky styles. The brand's defining innovation — the systematic Australian red wine cask programme — reflects Vitale's commitment to using Australian raw materials throughout Starward's production.
Why Starward — Australian red wine casks, Melbourne climate, World's Best Single Malt 2018
The Australian red wine cask programme
The genuinely defining innovation of Starward whisky is the systematic Australian red wine cask programme — and one of the most distinctive cask programmes in modern world whisky globally. Starward sources red wine barrels from major Australian wineries that have been previously used to age premium Australian red wines, particularly Shiraz (Australia's signature red grape variety, especially associated with the Barossa Valley), Cabernet Sauvignon (associated with Coonawarra and McLaren Vale), and Pinot Noir (associated with Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley). The casks are typically French oak (which most Australian wineries use for premium red wine ageing) and have absorbed the wine character through years of red wine ageing before being filled with new-make Starward whisky. The Australian red wine cask programme distinguishes Starward from virtually every other major whisky brand globally — most Scotch whisky brands use ex-bourbon barrels (American oak, previously used for bourbon) or ex-sherry casks (European oak, from Spain). The Australian red wine cask programme reflects David Vitale's commitment to using Australian raw materials throughout Starward's production — combining Australian malted barley, Australian water sources, Melbourne climate maturation, and Australian red wine cask wood. The result is a genuinely Australian whisky character — rich red fruit notes (raspberry, dark cherry, plum), tannin structure, and the warming influence of Australian climate maturation.
Melbourne climate and the World's Best Single Malt 2018 win
Melbourne's variable climate is the second defining characteristic of Starward whisky — alongside the Australian red wine cask programme. Melbourne's significant temperature variation (between seasons and even within days, hot summers, cool winters) drives faster, more intense whisky maturation than Scotland's stable cool climate. Starward whiskies reach peak maturity in significantly fewer years than equivalent Scotch single malts — a similar climate-driven maturation pattern to Kavalan Taiwan (subtropical climate), Amrut India (tropical climate), Hampden Jamaica (tropical climate), and Appleton Estate Jamaica (tropical climate). The combination of Melbourne climate maturation with Australian red wine cask wood produces a uniquely Australian whisky character that no other major whisky brand can match. The World Whiskies Awards 2018 World's Best Single Malt win was particularly meaningful for Starward because it validated the brand's distinctive Australian whisky innovations — demonstrating that genuinely Australian whisky innovations could compete with and surpass traditional Scottish and Japanese whisky benchmarks. The 2018 Starward Nova win joins TLC's distinguished World's Best Single Malt winners sub-cluster: Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique 2015, Starward Nova 2018, and Teeling Single Malt 2019. The Liquid Collection now stocks all three World's Best Single Malt winners.
Australian whisky vs Scotch whisky — meaningful differences in maturation and cask
Starward Australian whisky and Scotch whisky differ in several genuinely meaningful ways — climate, cask programme, regulatory framework, and historical context. Both categories produce world-class whisky, but they reflect distinctly different production philosophies and regional traditions.
| Aspect | Starward (Australian) | Scotch Whisky |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 (David Vitale, Melbourne) | 200+ years mass-market production heritage |
| Climate | Melbourne variable (significant temperature variation, hot summers, cool winters) | Scotland stable cool climate (cool year-round, modest seasonal variation) |
| Maturation Speed | Faster, more intense — peak maturity in fewer years | Slower, more measured — typically 10-12+ years for prestige tier |
| Defining Cask Programme | Australian red wine casks (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir) | Ex-bourbon (American oak) and ex-sherry (European oak from Spain) |
| Regulatory Framework | Australian Spirits Standards — minimum 2 years ageing in oak (Australia) | Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 — minimum 3 years ageing in Scotland in oak ≤700L |
| Pioneers | David Vitale (Starward 2007), Bill Lark (Lark 1992) | Glenturret 1763, Bowmore 1779, multiple founding distilleries |
| Major Award Recognition | Starward Nova WWA 2018 World's Best Single Malt | Multiple winners across categories |
| Production Style | Modern craft revival — emphasis on innovation | Traditional production with regional house styles |
The comparison demonstrates Starward's genuinely distinctive Australian positioning vs Scotch whisky — particularly the systematic Australian red wine cask programme and the climate-driven faster maturation. For Singapore drinkers familiar with Scotch single malts, Starward offers a meaningfully different whisky experience with rich red fruit cask wood character and intense Australian climate maturation. Both categories complement each other in a serious whisky collection.
World's Best Single Malt winners at TLC — Kavalan 2015, Starward 2018, Teeling 2019
Starward Nova's 2018 World's Best Single Malt win at the World Whiskies Awards establishes The Liquid Collection as one of the most genuinely comprehensive World Whisky retailers in Singapore — TLC stocks all three modern World's Best Single Malt winners across consecutive years (Kavalan 2015, Starward Nova 2018, Teeling 2019). Together, these three brands represent the modern world whisky establishment as a globally-competitive category alongside Scotland and Japan.
| Aspect | Kavalan (Taiwan, 2015) | Starward Nova (Australia, 2018) | Teeling (Ireland, 2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 (Mr Lee Tien-tsai, Yilan) | 2007 (David Vitale, Melbourne) | 2012 modern revival (Jack & Stephen Teeling, Dublin) |
| WWA World's Best Single Malt | Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique 2015 | Starward Nova 2018 | Teeling Single Malt 2019 |
| Climate | Subtropical Taiwan (hot, humid) | Melbourne variable (hot summers, cool winters) | Dublin temperate (cool, maritime) |
| Distinctive Cask Programme | STR (Shaved-Toasted-Recharred) casks; Solist Sherry; Solist Vinho Barrique | Australian red wine casks (Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot Noir) | Various — rum casks, sauternes, dark beer casks |
| Founder/Leader | Mr Lee Tien-tsai (King Car group) | David Vitale | Jack and Stephen Teeling |
| Ownership Pattern | King Car family-controlled | Vitale-led with Diageo Distill Ventures minority | Teeling family-controlled with Bacardi minority since 2017 |
| Awards Designer | Dr Jim Swan (STR cask methodology) | David Vitale (Australian red wine casks) | Various contemporary cask innovations |
Each of the three brands represents a distinctive modern world whisky philosophy — Kavalan's subtropical climate maturation with Dr Jim Swan's STR cask methodology, Starward's Australian red wine cask innovation with Melbourne climate maturation, and Teeling's modern Irish whiskey revival with diverse contemporary cask innovations. Together, they offer Singapore drinkers comprehensive coverage of the most genuinely landmark modern world whisky category — a uniquely distinctive collection at TLC.
The Starward house style — Australian red wine cask character, Melbourne climate intensity
Across the range, Starward is defined by its distinctive Australian red wine cask programme and Melbourne climate maturation — built on David Vitale's commitment to genuinely Australian whisky character using Australian raw materials throughout production. The signature character combines rich red fruit cask wood notes (raspberry, dark cherry, plum) with climate-driven intensity (faster, more concentrated flavour development) and balanced Australian malted barley character. The Starward Nova shows the brand's flagship character — Australian single malt matured exclusively in Australian red wine barrels (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir from major Victorian and South Australian wineries), the 2018 World's Best Single Malt winner. Deep red wine cask influence delivers rich red fruit notes balanced by malt sweetness. The Starward Solera shows the brand's distinctive solera character — Australian single malt matured using the solera system in Apera (Australian sherry-style) wine casks, continuous fractional blending across multiple casks creating layered complexity with dried fruit (raisin, fig, date), nutty character, and rich autolytic depth. The solera system is genuinely rare in whisky maturation. The Starward Two Fold shows the brand's accessible signature — blended Australian whisky combining wheat and barley spirits, both matured in Australian red wine barrels, demonstrating the brand's signature red wine cask character at a more accessible everyday price point. Compared to other World's Best Single Malt winners at TLC: Kavalan wears its subtropical climate and Dr Jim Swan's STR cask methodology; Teeling wears its Dublin Liberties heritage revival and diverse contemporary cask experimentation. Starward wears its Australian red wine cask programme and Melbourne climate-driven intensity.
The Starward range
The Starward range and Australian wine source regions
Starward's Australian red wine cask programme draws from major Victorian and South Australian wine regions — each contributing distinctive cask wood character to the brand's signature whisky expressions. Below, the Australian wine regions that supply Starward's red wine barrel programme.
| Wine Region | State | Signature Grape Variety | Cask Wood Contribution to Starward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yarra Valley | Victoria | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay | Pinot Noir cask wood — delicate red fruit, raspberry, refined character |
| Barossa Valley | South Australia | Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon | Shiraz cask wood — rich dark fruit, plum, peppery spice, full body |
| McLaren Vale | South Australia | Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache | Mediterranean-style Shiraz character, warm spice notes |
| Mornington Peninsula | Victoria | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay | Cool-climate Pinot Noir character — bright cherry, elegant structure |
| Coonawarra | South Australia | Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon cask wood — blackcurrant, eucalypt, structured tannins |
The diverse Australian wine source regions allow Starward to combine cask wood character from across Australia's premium wine regions — creating multi-dimensional flavour complexity in the brand's signature Nova and Two Fold expressions. The Australian wine industry's high-quality cask supply makes Starward's red wine cask programme genuinely sustainable at scale — a strategic advantage that distinguishes the brand from competitors that rely on imported European or American casks.
Starward FAQ
What is Starward?
Starward is the most genuinely landmark modern Australian whisky distillery — founded in 2007 by David Vitale in Melbourne, Victoria. The brand's defining innovation is the systematic Australian red wine cask programme — Starward matures whisky exclusively in Australian red wine barrels (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir) sourced from major Victorian and South Australian wineries. Starward Nova won World's Best Single Malt at World Whiskies Awards 2018. Diageo's Distill Ventures programme is a minority investor.
What does Starward taste like?
Starward whisky is distinguished by its uniquely Australian character — Melbourne's variable climate maturation combined with Australian red wine cask innovation. The Nova shows deep red wine cask influence with rich red fruit notes (raspberry, dark cherry, plum), balanced by malt sweetness. The Solera shows distinctive solera character with dried fruit (raisin, fig, date), nutty character, and rich autolytic depth. The Two Fold shows wheat smoothness combined with barley malt complexity and the brand's signature red wine cask influence.
When was Starward founded?
Starward was founded in 2007 by David Vitale in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — over 18 years of continuous heritage. Originally launched at Federation Distillery before relocating to a larger purpose-built distillery in Port Melbourne. Starward Nova won World's Best Single Malt at World Whiskies Awards 2018 — joining Kavalan 2015 and Teeling 2019 in TLC's distinguished World's Best Single Malt winners sub-cluster.
Who is David Vitale?
David Vitale is the founder of Starward and one of the most genuinely landmark figures in modern Australian whisky — an Australian entrepreneur who founded Starward in 2007. Vitale is widely credited with establishing modern Australian whisky on the global stage alongside historical pioneers like Bill Lark (Lark Distillery, Tasmania, founded 1992). Vitale's vision for Starward was specifically to create a genuinely Australian whisky identity rather than imitating Scottish or Irish whisky styles — reflected in the systematic Australian red wine cask programme using Australian raw materials throughout production.
What are Australian red wine casks?
Australian red wine casks are the genuinely defining innovation of Starward whisky. Starward sources red wine barrels from major Australian wineries that have been previously used to age premium Australian red wines — particularly Shiraz (Barossa Valley), Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra, McLaren Vale), and Pinot Noir (Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley). The casks are typically French oak. The Australian red wine cask programme distinguishes Starward from virtually every other major whisky brand globally — most Scotch whisky brands use ex-bourbon barrels or ex-sherry casks.
What is Apera?
Apera is the official Australian appellation for sherry-style fortified wines — used since 2010, when Australia agreed to stop using the "sherry" naming convention as part of the Australia-EU Wine Agreement. Apera wines are produced from grapes including Palomino, Pedro Ximenez, and Muscat, aged in oak barrels typically using a solera system. The Starward Solera expression is matured in Australian Apera casks using the solera system — adapting the traditional sherry/Apera production technique to whisky maturation.
Did Starward win World's Best Single Malt?
Yes — Starward Nova won World's Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2018, a genuinely landmark recognition placing Starward at the apex of global single malt whisky reputation. The 2018 Starward Nova win joins TLC's distinguished World's Best Single Malt winners sub-cluster: Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique 2015, Starward Nova 2018, and Teeling Single Malt 2019. The Liquid Collection now stocks all three World's Best Single Malt winners.
Who owns Starward?
Starward is led by David Vitale (Founder) and remains a Vitale-led independent operation — though Diageo's Distill Ventures programme is a minority investor in the brand. Distill Ventures is Diageo's craft spirits investment arm. Diageo (the world's largest spirits company by volume) is the parent of Caol Ila, Talisker, Singleton, Lagavulin, and various other premium spirits. The Distill Ventures minority investment in Starward is structured as a strategic investment rather than an acquisition.
How does Starward compare to Scotch whisky?
Starward Australian whisky and Scotch whisky differ in several genuinely meaningful ways — climate (Melbourne variable vs Scotland stable cool), cask programme (Australian red wine casks vs ex-bourbon/ex-sherry), maturation speed (faster vs slower), and historical context (modern craft revival vs 200+ year heritage). Both produce world-class whisky — they appeal to different motivations.
Is Starward a good gift?
Yes — Starward is genuinely one of the most distinctive whisky gift choices available. The Nova ($100 SGD sale, was $180 SGD) is the flagship gift bottle and 2018 World's Best Single Malt winner. The Solera ($111 SGD sale, was $144 SGD) is the considered Apera/sherry-style gift. The Two Fold ($79 SGD sale, was $160 SGD) is the accessible everyday gift. The 2007 founding heritage, David Vitale founder story, Australian red wine cask programme innovation, Melbourne climate maturation, World Whiskies Awards 2018 recognition, and Diageo Distill Ventures minority investor credentials all give Starward unusually rich gift storytelling.
Do you deliver Starward across Singapore?
Yes. Free delivery anywhere in Singapore with no minimum order. Standard lead time is 3 working days.