Starward Ginger Cask Batch 5 - Ballot Announcement

TWL team get an exclusive sneak taste of Starward's 5th Ginger Beer Cask release

Starward releases fifth iteration of the highly anticipated Ginger Beer Cask Single Malt Whisky

For those who love their Starward special releases, the ever popular Ginger Cask Single Malt Whisky is back with batch #5.

TWL got an exclusive sneak taste of their new recipe ahead of its launch and we got to say “Wow!” Like ginger biscuits in a glass. A zesty kick and smooth, sweet finish.

Starward are trying something out new this year. These bottles tend to fly of their virtual shelves, notoriously selling out in minutes. This year, they’re releasing just 850 bottles. The only way to get your hands on this great dram is via ballot. LINK PROVIDED BELOW (keep reading down).

The Ginger Cask ballot will be announced on May 16th, known to whisky aficionados as World Whisky Day, where only 850 individuals will have the opportunity to purchase a bottle of the limited release Ginger Beer Cask. It will retail for $119, bottled at 48& ABV in 500ml bottles.

We caught up with Starward’s founder David Vitale to find out why the shift to ballot system. “In years gone by, you statistically had more chance of getting into Harvard than getting one of these prized bottles – even I only get one,” explained Vitale. Adding “We’ve upped our supply of this year’s release and given the growth in popularity of Starward over the past 12 months, we feel continuing with a ballot is the best way to fairly reward our loyal drinkers – so make sure you register.”

Great advice from David Vitale and we agree, great way to ensure fairness.

TWL also caught up with Starward’s Head Distiller, Sam Slaney to find out more about his process and what’s new about this years batch #5 release of the Ginger Cask. “What started as an experiment, has become a definite favourite in our limited release Project Series. Since we bottled the first cask in 2014, it’s proven to be a huge hit year after year amongst our whisky supporters, selling out within hours of being released. Therefore, a fifth batch was inevitable.”

Sam continues, “For the fifth rendition of this liquid gold, we took our prized single malt, Starward Solera, and finished it for 30 months in a gingery barrel that previously held fiery ginger beer created by our dear friends at Boatrocker Brewery. The finished product of course carries the ginger flavour we adore, but also delivers a surprise sensory experience. You will smell orange and dark chocolate on the nose and strong spice, vanilla and fresh pineapple on the palate. Thanks to the maturation process, we have also been able to balance any flavour punches with sweet raisins and fig notes rounding out a bold, warming mouthfeel with candied ginger, citrus and sweet Apera.”

To go into the running to score this tasty ginger delight - make sure you sign up to the Starward ballot via this link below for your chance to reserve a bottle.

---> ENTER HERE FOR STARWARD GINGER CASK BATCH #5 <---

Official Tasting Notes: Starward Ginger Cask #5 - 48% - 500ml

Nose: Ginger, orange and dark chocolate

Palete: Strong spicy ginger, vanilla and fresh pineapple - balanced by sweet raisins and fig

Finish: The finish has a big, warming mouthfeel with candied ginger, citrus and sweet Apera

Food pairings & cocktail ideas

The Starward Ginger Beer Cask pairs perfectly with rich desserts and sweet cheeses, briny and crispy pork belly or a vast serving of spicy, creamy curry.

Cocktail: Tommys Ginger Gun

• 60ml Ginger Beer Cask #5

• 15ml Grand Marnier

• 1 teaspoon of apricot jam

• 15ml Lemon juice

• 3 thin ginger slices

METHOD: In a shaker, muddle the ginger with the jam and lemon juice. Add ice and the whisky and Grand Marnier; shake well. Strain into a chilled rocks glass with fresh ice, Garnish with extra thin slices of ginger.

---> ENTER HERE FOR STARWARD GINGER CASK BATCH #5 BALLOT <---

About Starward Projects / Experimental Series

The Ginger Beer Cask was one of the first limited editions in Starward Projects; a program that allows Starward’s distillers to experiment with different whiskies to create flavour forward and unique expressions. Since its inception in 2014, Starward Projects have released several standout whiskies including a knockout Bourbon Cask which sold out in just four hours and the ultra-popular Starward Tawny.

Continuing to push the boundaries of what whisky can be, this year, Starward has developed unique alternate drink suggestions for the beloved Ginger Beer Cask which cater to whisky enthusiasts and new whisky drinkers alike. The Starward Ginger Beer Cask is a delicious allrounder, to be enjoyed amongst friends.

About Starward:

After working in a prominent Tasmanian distillery, founder David Vitale set out to create a whisky that brought together his love of food, family and reflected his hometown of Melbourne - from its culture, to its famed ‘four seasons in a day’ temperature swings. As an acclaimed foodie capital, and a city surrounded by some of Australia’s leading wine regions, Starward is the culmination of a drive and determination to capture the essence of Melbourne and Australia in a bottle. An Australian whisky matured in Australian wine barrels for 3 “Melbourne Years”.

Starward burst onto the scene in 2013 and was instantly recognised for its bold spirit and flavour, leading it to become what is now the fastest growing Australian whisky brand. By bringing together highly skilled brewers, ex-winemakers and fresh vibrant talent, Starward ‘Wine Cask’ has been named the world’s Best Craft Whisky 2016, and ‘Solera’ named Australia’s Best Single Malt 2017, as well as Australian Brand innovator of the Year at the 2018 World Whisky Awards.

Browse Starward bottles for sale on The Whisky List

For more info visit www.starward.com.au