Irrational beliefs age well: David Vitale enters the Australian Distillers Hall of Fame
In 2007, David Vitale had an irrational belief: that Australia could make an affordable, approachable whisky and take it to the world with pride.
Not a tribute to Scotland. Not an imitation. An Australian whisky, made the Australian way, in Melbourne's restless climate, matured in the red wine barrels this country already does better than anywhere.
Last week, the Australian Distillers Association inducted Dave into its Hall of Fame — recognition not just for Starward, but for the contribution he's made to the growth of an entire industry.
When Dave started, Australian whisky barely registered on the world stage. Today it wins at the highest level, and a generation of distillers have followed a path he helped clear.
Turns out irrational beliefs age pretty well.
Congratulations, Dave. From all of us.
Earlier this month, at San Francisco, at the World Spirits Competition (the Oscar’s of booze) our whisky stood up again against the best in the world (judged by the most discerning team) and I am delighted to share across our core range, projects and some distillery only releases:
|
Medal |
Product |
|
Double Gold |
100-Proof Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Double Gold |
TWC PX Cask Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Double Gold |
TWC Cognac Cask Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Double Gold |
Single Malt Australian Whisky Finished in ex-Lagavulin Barrels |
|
Double Gold |
Single Barrel 2800 Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Double Gold |
Single Barrel 16794 Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Double Gold |
Single Barrel 13534 Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Double Gold |
Honeycomb Australian Whisky |
|
Double Gold |
D53 Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Gold |
Single Barrel 13678 Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Gold |
Two-Fold Australian Whisky |
|
Gold |
Single Barrel 12217 Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Gold |
Pinot Noir Cask Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Silver |
Tawny #2 Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Silver |
Sticky Toffee Apple Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Silver |
Solera Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Silver |
Co-Ferment Shiraz |
|
Silver |
Octave Barrels Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Silver |
Nova Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Silver |
Left-Field Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Silver |
Ginger Beer Cask #8 Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Silver |
Vitalis Australian Single Malt Whisky |
|
Bronze |
Hungarian Oak Australian Single Malt Whisky |
