Starward has just released a fourth addition to the range, introducing Fortis. At 50% alcohol (ABV), Fortis offers a rich intensity and pure expression of Starward’s signature red wine barrel maturation.
Starward Fortis is a Single Malt Australian Whisky meaning ‘brave and bold’. Matured in 100% American Oak wine barrels, predominately from the Barossa Valley which is famed for its powerful and bold red wines. Fortis’ distinct attributes come from these freshly emptied red wine barrels and the American oak char. Framed by its rich mouthfeel, enhanced vanillin and toasted oak characteristics whilst balancing the intense wine flavours that have soaked in.
Starward Founder, David Vitale, “Fortis is the culmination of years of experience and experimentation both in whisky and wine. This full bodied, full flavoured whisky – while quite different from our other releases – still shows all the hallmarks of our core range.”
Starward whisky distillers and bartenders continue to inspire and encouraged to experiment, not just “add water or ice” but with cocktail recipes like the Rich Rapscallion and Old Mate cocktail (recipes below)
Fortis Batch 1 is a limited release, available in a 700mL bottle for AUD $129. Exclusively available on Starward website starward.com.au from Monday 3 August.
The fancy tasting notes:
Colour: Jarrah with a cherry red hue
Smell: Madagascan vanilla pods, rich toasted American oak,
blackberry jam, raisins, caramelised fig, overripe plums.
Taste: Upfront vanillin, 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
Food: Rich desserts and sweet cheeses, as an aperitif with rich pâté or a fresh, light caprese salad.
Rich Rapscallion Cocktails
• 60ml Starward Fortis
• 20ml Pedro Ximenez
• 2 dashes of Absinthe
• Cherry garnish
Method: Stirred down & served up.
Old Mate Cocktails
• 30ml Starward Fortis
• 20ml Dry Vermouth
• 20ml Campari
• Bar spoon of Cynar
• 2 dashes of Orange Bitters
• Orange twist garnish
Method: Stirred down & served on a block.
