Starward x Lagavulin
Available as a limited edition, Starward x Lagavulin is the kind of cross-hemisphere collaboration that has whisky enthusiasts paying attention. Starward sourced spent casks from Lagavulin, which were used to finish a standard red-wine-aged Australian whisky. The new-make spirit first spends time in red wine barrels, picking up notes of red berries, soft spice, and vanilla, before being transferred into ex-Lagavulin casks, where it takes on a savory, coastal smokiness.
Nose
Sea salt, iodine, marzipan
Palate
Barley sugar, citrus peel, bonfire smoke
Finish
Coastal salinity, shellfish, baked apple
Finely balanced fruit and smokiness at the very start, with a distinct waft of coastal peat, sea salt flakes, and iodine combining with soft Play-Doh, marzipan, and fresh raspberry and strawberry compote. Dig a little deeper, and you'll find white chocolate, banana candy, and creamed coconut. The palate is thick and generous, with a very mouth-filling, viscous oiliness. The smoke is present but doesn't dominate. A sweet note of barley sugar develops, then straight into a sharper citrus peel note and drier, bonfire smoke, with dark, salt-covered licorice and star anise rounding out the palate. The finish is lengthy, with spices galore and a subtle, more washed-out peatiness – almost coastal and shellfish-like salinity, with a touch of baked apple on the death.
