Starward's cult classic available only by the luck of the draw

Starward’s Ginger Beer Cask is back and it’s an absolute belter. Born out of Starward’s innovative Projects Program and back by popular demand, Ginger Beer Cask is an annual batched release from the award-winning Port Melbourne distillery team.

Now in its sixth release, this Melbourne-made and delicious single malt whisky is more expressive than ever. Loaded with citrus peel and spicy ginger, it’s a zesty little number with aromas of dark chocolate and orange, with a palate of fiery ginger, fresh vanilla, and pineapple.

Due to the popularity of this yearly, one-off release, Starward are implementing a ballot system for purchase.  Register your interest here by Sunday, 9 May. Winners of the ballot will be notified by Monday, 10 May if they have secured an opportunity to purchase.

Ginger Beer Cask will be available in a 500mL bottle for RRP $119. Any bottles that aren’t snapped up via the ballot (there won’t be many) will be made available for purchase on World Whisky Day (15 May) via Starward’s online store or onsite at the Port Melbourne distillery shop. Tastings will also be available at the bar. Be quick as this limited project release isn’t expected to last long! 

Commenting on the latest batch, Starward’s Production Director, Sam Slaney, said the sixth interpretation had been the team’s most experimental to date.

“Ginger Beer Cask has garnered an almost cult-like following, so the pressure was on to craft yet another standout bottling. The team have seized the chance to experiment and push the boundaries a little further. We started by brewing a fiery ginger beer in French and American oak barrels, at home in our Port Melbourne distillery. We loaded our recipe up with citrus peel and fresh ginger. Once the barrels' staves had soaked in the spicy goodness, we emptied and then refilled the barrels with a union of Apera and red wine barrel aged single malt whiskies.

This year’s expression won’t disappoint. It is all ginger, orange and dark chocolate on the nose. The flavour comes swift and sure; strong spicy ginger, fresh vanilla and pineapple. Candied ginger and citrus provide a big and warming mouthfeel that’s been skilfully balanced with the lingering dark fruits sweetness from the Apera and the bright juicy flavours of the red wine barrel maturation,” said Slaney.

Remarking on Starward’s Projects program and the latest rendition of Ginger Beer Cask, Starward Founder, David Vitale, said the program which allows its distillers to experiment with different whiskies and create unique expressions, is exactly what New World whisky making is all about.

“Our Projects program provides an opportunity to innovate and re-invent the category with interesting flavours and occasions to share whisky. The freedom to experiment and create is a part of Starward’s DNA. It’s a thrill to see the popularity of this yearly release continue to sky-rocket as our distillers and blenders get even bolder with their experimentation,” said Vitale.