Whisky & Wine 6.0 - Archery Road Longbow Shiraz 2019

This pack brilliantly showcases the symbiotic relationship between Australian wine and whisky production. The Starward Nova whisky is matured in shiraz barrels, creating flavour connections with the Archery Road Longbow Shiraz included in the pack. This cross-pollination between wine and whisky demonstrates how Australian distillers are innovating by using local wine barrels to create distinctly Australian spirits with complementary flavour profiles.

The shared flavour profile creates a harmonious tasting experience, with blackberry and spice notes bridging both beverages. The whisky's caramel and vanilla characteristics from barrel ageing complement the shiraz's natural fruit intensity, while cedar notes add structural complexity. This creates an educational opportunity to explore how barrel maturation influences both wine and whisky, demonstrating the interconnected nature of these two beloved Australian beverages.

The collection boasts impressive international acclaim, with the whisky earning Double Gold medals at both San Francisco and New York World Spirits competitions in 2022. The wine component has achieved exceptional recognition with 96 points from Wine Orbit and Five Stars rating. These awards from prestigious international competitions validate the quality of Australian wine and whisky production on the global stage.

Starward has established itself in Australia's upper echelon of distilleries through innovative approaches to whisky making, particularly their use of Australian wine barrels for maturation. Their Nova expression demonstrates how local terroir and wine industry connections can create uniquely Australian spirits. The distillery's proximity to Melbourne's wine scene allows them to source exceptional barrels, creating whiskies that reflect Australia's distinctive climate and wine heritage.

Start with the Longbow Shiraz to understand the wine's character, then explore the Nova whisky to discover how shiraz barrel maturation transforms the spirit. Notice how the blackberry and spice notes appear in both, while the whisky develops additional caramel and vanilla complexity. This comparative tasting reveals how barrel influence works in whisky production and demonstrates the growing sophistication of Australian spirits alongside our renowned wine industry.