Starward releases Left-Field whisky for UK drinkers

Australian whisky maker Starward has announced a new addition to its range exclusively for the European market.

Starward Left-Field - which the distiller says has all the hallmarks of one of its whiskies, including its Australian red wine barrel maturation - goes on sale with Waitrose stores in the UK this week.

The producer said the whisky had been designed with the European palate in mind and was part of a concerted push to make Australian whiskies more widely available to consumers around the globe.

David Vitale, Starward Whisky co-founder, said: "We all have a 'special occasion' whisky cabinet which is overflowing with options, but the sharing cabinet is curated. We believe we have an opportunity to elbow out some space and create an alternative to the great whiskies from around the world with an Australian whisky, matured in Australian wine barrels."

Left-Field is matured in 100 per cent French oak casks, including some which have been charred to add another flavour dimension to the whisky. The barrels were sourced from the premier Australian wine-producing regions of the Barossa Valley and Yarra Valley. 

David Vitale continued: "We felt it was important for us to create a flavourful but easy-drinking and approachable whisky that talks to the place it is made, like very few whiskies can. With our red wine barrel ageing, our whiskies also offer something very different to most others. This juicy approachability from our red wine barrels means our whiskies are perfect for cocktails and mixing."

Left-Field is exclusively available in Europe and the UK through Waitrose from 1 February, with a recommended price of £35 for a 700ml bottle. 

3 February 2021 - Bethany Whymark