Starward Fortis

Full-bodied flavour, velvety smoothness.

"Fortis, coming from the Latin meaning ‘bold’ or ‘brave’, brings the intensity. It’s one of the highest proof bottlings we’ve ever done, deftly balanced by our signature Starward smoothness. With the toasty oak and vanilla flavour from American Oak, and the juicy red wine profile from the shiraz and cabernet wine barrels, the boldness of Fortis beckons.

Fortis starts and ends with local Australian ingredients and expert Melbourne craftsmanship. We make the single malt with Australian malted barley and brewers’ yeast for a flavour-forward character.

We only age Fortis in American Oak barrels to give our whisky a richer taste and toasty oak and vanilla character. We sourced most of these barrels from Barossa Valley wineries, where they once held powerful shiraz and cabernets. We char some of these barrels for complexity. Most we leave fresh, to lend Fortis the intense red wine flavour profile that soaked into the barrel staves.

For this stronger ABV whisky, we don’t chill filter. That means the whisky you pour into your glass closely represents the whisky that comes directly from the barrel."

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Madagascan vanilla pods, rich toasted American oak, blackberry jam, raisins, caramelised fig, over ripe plums. 

Palate: Upfront vanilla, quince paste, Muscadelle raisins, chocolate ganache, cinnamon & baked banana bread. 

Finish: Viscous and long, balanced with a finish of baking spices from the oak and ripe figs & raisins. 

Future: Sip straight and savour. Or shake it up in a classic cocktail, like vermouth, campari and orange bitters.

Starward Distillery

Starward Distillery is located in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 2007 by David Vitale, Starward has quickly made a name for itself through its innovative approach to whisky production, inspired by the region's rich culinary and wine traditions. The distillery is strategically located near the Yarra Valley, one of Australia's premier wine regions, giving them access to an abundance of high-quality wine casks.

A unique feature of Starward is the use of local ingredients and the maturation of their whisky in Australian red wine casks. This gives the whiskies their distinctive fruity and spicy flavour profiles, with notes of red fruit and hints of spice. Maturation takes place in a climate known for its rapid and dynamic maturation, which contributes to the whiskies' complexity and depth.

Starward whiskies are known for their accessibility and versatility, ideal for beginners and connoisseurs alike. The combination of a modern approach, local ingredients and a pioneering spirit makes Starward a notable and respected name in the world of whisky.