Distilleries / Australia
Starward
Australia / Victoria · Founded 2007
A Port Melbourne distillery known for whisky matured in Australian red wine barrels.
History & character
Founded in 2007 by David Vitale and based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. Starward set out to make a distinctly Australian whisky from Australian ingredients.
Its house style is built on red wine barrels sourced from local wineries — casks that previously held Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
From 2015 the brand was backed by Distill Ventures, the drinks accelerator funded by Diageo. In January 2026 founder David Vitale acquired the business outright, ending Diageo's involvement.
Whiskies from this distillery
Sources: drinksint.com / starward.com.au / thewhiskeywash.com
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