The Group and Starward to Produce Historic Whisky
Somewhere down under lies an Australian co-op of 100 wine growers that have excelled and become the most prominent producers in the country. They are called The Group Wines and have created a partnership with renowned whisky distillery Starward.
The partnership will focus on launching a limited release of whisky barrel-aged Shiraz exclusive to Coles Liquor Group. ‘The high-quality McLaren Vale Shiraz was aged in Starward Two-Fold Whisky barrels.
Since 2017, The Group Wines have released the following wines.
- 2019 The Shadow Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir
- 2019 The Quiver McLaren Vale Grenache
- 2019 The Siege McLaren Vale
- 2018 The Fever McLaren Vale Field Blend, Merlot, Mourvedre & Cabernet
- 2017 The Murder McLaren Vale Shiraz
One of the top winegrowers from the co-op, Paula Edwards shared her take on the partnership: “The demand from consumers for locally made boutique wines and whiskies is growing rapidly, particularly from younger consumers who want their drinks of choice to be authentic.’
Meanwhile, David Vitale, founder of Starwood Whisky said, “We’re thrilled to partner with The Group to bring The Crash exclusively to Coles Liquor Group customers. While wine aged in whisky barrels is not a new concept, until now these types of wines have not disclosed the whisky barrels used.’
‘The Crash’ limited range will roll out in August 2023. A bottle of the McLaren Vale Shiraz aged in Starward Two-Fold Whisky is expected to retail for $30 and will be available exclusively at Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market stores nationwide. All The Group products are sold exclusively through these brand stores.
In 2007, Starward Whisky was founded by David Vitale. All of Starward’s single malt whiskies are made using locally grown malted barley. Although Vitale does not consider his drink as a whisky, but a ‘midpoint between Scotch and Bourbon’. The distillery matures its whisky for a quarter of the time of most aged whiskies, or what Starward called ‘elemental maturation’.
