Here at Starward, every day is World Whisky Day. Our mission to create a modern Australian whisky is a daily pursuit we’re proud of. The official day to celebrate whisky this year is Saturday, May 17 (pop it in your calendars and make sure you’ve got a bottle of Starward on hand). This global celebration invites everyone, from the whisky curious to diehard fans, to enjoy a dram of the good stuff. Around the world, events, tastings and gatherings take place to mark the occasion. It’s all about making whisky fun and approachable, while recognising the producers and distillers whose craft leads to some incredibly tasty expressions.

And with World Whisky Day upon us, we believe now is more important than ever to shine a spotlight on the standout whisky coming out of Australia. We’ve got plenty to celebrate ahead of the big day on May 17, because Starward recently took home 15 medals at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including a Double Gold for our signature single malt, Nova. A Double Gold is a big deal; it’s awarded to spirits that achieve unanimous Gold ratings from all members of the judging panel during blind tastings.

Nova is the backbone of our hallmark red wine barrel maturation and a uniquely Australian expression. It’s matured in Australian red wine barrels sourced from places like the Yarra Valley and Barossa. On the nose, it’s like we took bright red berries and orchard fruit flavours and coated them in soft oak spice. On the palate, imagine a rich red berry pudding covered in vanilla, caramel and spice. The finish is balanced and long, and as the sweetness fades, a delicious flavour lingers. Let’s just say it tastes like a winner – and it’s the perfect whisky to enjoy on Saturday, May 17, or any day, for that matter.

Australian whisky continues to dominate on the global stage, and for good reason. The local whisky scene is all about experimentation and exploration; without centuries of tradition to adhere to, Aussie distillers can push boundaries and are unafraid to explore new casks, grains, yeasts and techniques, resulting in one-of-a-kind expressions. Our varied climate leads to some pretty interesting whisky, too – especially the warmer, more volatile temperatures in places like Melbourne, which accelerate whisky maturation. And don’t we know about that! Finally, the Australian whisky industry is still relatively young and small, which allows many distillers to focus on small-batch, hands-on production methods that prioritise quality over quantity. We’re especially proud of Starward leading the charge of Australian whisky going global, and getting it on the tips of tongues of drinkers and food enthusiasts around the country and the world.