Starward has launched Fortis, the fourth Whisky from the Australian brand. The new expression will round out the Melbourne-based distillery’s core range, but will only be released in small batches.
Fortis is Latin for “Strong,” which makes since for a Whisky that comes in at 50 percent ABV, furthermore, the brand describes it as a “pure expression” of its signature red wine barrel maturation.
Matured solely in American oak ex-red wine barrels from the Barossa Valley, a region known for its powerful red wines, each batch of Fortis will be slightly different from the ones before it.
“Fortis is the culmination of years of experience and experimentation both in whisky and wine.” says Starward Founder David Vitalie. “We are the global whisky experts in wine barrel maturation. Having access to amazing barrels on our doorstep and leaning on the talents of the winemakers on our team means we can really celebrate what it means to be an Australian whisky.
“This full bodied, full flavoured whisky, while quite different to our other releases, still shows all the hallmarks of our core range.
“Like our other whiskies it delivers on the promise of a distinctly Australian Whisky, one we offer the world with pride. I can’t wait to share each batch’s nuances and variations that bring to life our innovative spirit and the depth of barrels we source from Aussie winemakers,” he said.
According to Oz Whisky Review, Fortis features a nose of “Berries and marzipan, and a hint of red wine funk. Definitely get the toasty vanilla from the oak, quite floral, too – pears, red apples and a hint of fried bananas. Fresh and spry.” While the palate offers, “Gooey caramel and toffee, but not the syrupy character you often find in Australian tawny matured malts – it’s drier, mustier, cinnamon and Sauternes. Slight shiraz funk again, oak tannins and blackcurrants.”
You can purchase a 750ml bottle of Fortis Batch 1 for $129 via the Starward website beginning August 3, 2020.