Two Australian whiskies have been recognised as top of class with Masters medals at this year’s World Whisky Masters.
While the latest – and yet to be released - from Starward’s stable, Unexpeated single malt also secured the top medal. Judges commented on its “very good maturation”, which delivered “creamy, rum and raisin” aromas, and “toffee, tobacco and lots of oaky goodness” on the palate.
One of the judges at the World Whisky Masters was Michel Fichtner, head bartender at the Coburg Bar at The Connaught Hotel in London. Of the calibre of Australian entries, he said:
“These were very consistent, very nice, drinkable whiskies. The standard was very high from Australia – it was great to see, and it’s exciting to think about what we could be tasting from this part of the world in a few years’ time.”
Copper and Grain Distilling picked up three Gold awards, including one for its Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky Signature 44 per cent, with notes of “sandalwood, myrrh, rose water”.
Michael Sergeant, Head of Strategy and Innovation, Copper & Grain Distilling Co said, “It’s an amazing result for our Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky after only launching the brand in early June. The Signature and Muscat Barrel Australian Single Malt Whiskies are available at 40 per cent and 46 per cent ABV in Australia, and distributed nationally by Vanguard.”
Meanwhile, Starward took home an additional seven Gold medals for Two‐Fold, Nova, Fortis, Solera, Ginger Beer Cask #6 and the sweet Sicilian inspired, Dolce.
Commenting on Starward’s consistent success at the contest, Starward Founder, David Vitale, said:
“Innovation is a part of our DNA here at Starward. The continuous trialling and experimenting by our teams means we continue to innovate to craft the best whisky we can. We were ecstatic to strike gold in every single category that we entered, and these awards show the world just how special our whisky is. Just taste it and you’ll understand why we think the real gold is in the bottle,” said Vitale.
Launched in 2008, The Global Spirits Masters rates and rewards excellence in spirits production with judging divided into 14 separate competitions to ensure each spirit category is given the utmost attention by specialised judges. The Global Spirits Masters is unique in its exclusive use of completely independent expert judges, including journalists, retail buyers, bartenders and educators.
Judges can award Silver, Gold and Master medals, as well as additional trophies for outstanding achievements.
Editor's note: The Morris Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel 46 per cent ABV and 48 per cent ABV are the same liquid - aged, crafted and prepared in the same way - just with a slight difference in ABV. The 48 per cent ABV was crafted for the US market where higher proof products are more common in whiskies. This US launch is slated for early 2022. The decision to have two slightly different ABVs was made to ensure affordability and competitiveness of the two offers in their respective markets.
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