This Single Malt Whisky From Down Under Was Finished in Lagavulin Peated Scotch Barrels

(Photo: Starward Australian Whisky)

On Wednesday, Starward, the popular Australian whisky brand, announced the release of a single malt whisky finished in barrels sourced from the renowned Islay scotch brand, Lagavulin.

For this release, Starward took its signature red wine-barrel-aged single malt whisky and finished it for 18 months in barrels that previously contained peated Lagavulin single malt whisky.

“My earliest inspiration for Starward was to create a deliciously distinctive whisky, and while we certainly hit that brief with our red wine barrel matured whisky, what whisky better epitomizes distinctively delicious than Lagavulin? Sourcing these barrels to create this exciting expression gives us a magical moment to celebrate the very best of Australian curiosity and Scottish tradition,” Starward founder David Vitale said in a news release. “I’ve always been inspired by Islay; so much so that we named [one of] our daughters Islay.”

Starward describes Starward Single Malt Australian Whisky Finished in ex-Lagavulin Barrels as combining the tropical notes that are typical of Starward’s red wine barrel-aged whiskies with the earthy and smoky flavors associated with Lagavulin. The brand claims the whisky has flavors of nectarine, charred pineapple, a touch of coastal peat and a “smoldering dry oak finish.”

Bottled at 48% ABV, Starward Single Malt Australian Whisky Finished in ex-Lagavulin Barrels has a suggested retail price of $130 and will be available via a ballot selection. Those who are interested in purchasing the whisky and are 21 and older may sign up at starward.com on Wednesday for a chance to purchase it starting April 15.

After the ballot, it will release in limited quantities at fine spirits retailers in the U.S.