Starward has launched the fourth whisky which will make up its core range, although Fortis is a whisky which will be released in small batches.
At 50 per cent ABV, Fortis is Starward’s first higher strength core release and is described as a “pure expression” of the distiller’s signature red wine barrel maturation.
Starward Founder, David Vitalie said: “Fortis is the culmination of years of experience and experimentation both in whisky and wine. 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.
Fortis is matured in 100 per cent American Oak wine barrels, which are predominately from the Barossa Valley, a region famed for its bold and powerful red wines. This also means each batch of Fortis will be slightly different as it shows the characters of its maturation, something Vitale is looking forward to.
“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.
Fortis Batch 1 is a limited release, available in a 700mL bottle for RRP $129. The first batch release of Fortis will be available exclusively through the Starward website, from Monday 3 August.