From the fabulous Starward distillery over in Melbourne comes Solera, a tasty single malt made with 100% Australian barley and matured exclusively in re-coopered and re-sized Apera (an Australian fortified wine, not dissimilar to Spanish sherry) barrels. The name is of course a reference to the solera ageing system, which Starward spins its own take on to age this whisky.
Prune juice and seedless raisins provide a thick, sherry-forward sweetness that is complemented by rich caramel and toasted almonds. A little marzipan lingers underneath.
A rich, but well-balanced palate begins with toasted oak and more jammy fruit compote – damsons, black currants and dried figs – before creme brulee, milky coffee and winter spice notes emerge.
There’s a little sawdust and milk chocolate as the dram concludes.
Remarkably fruity and beautifully composed – this is a seriously good whisky.
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Nice addition to the growing whisky collection!
It's oaky, for sure. Oaky from nose to tail, but I don't think that's a bad thing. It has a lovely fruitcakey nose of almonds and raisins. The palette is very similar with lots of sweetness and cakiness, the finish also very long and lingering, honeyed and figgy notes. I was very surprised by this Australian whisky, it's woody and sweet yes but it has quite a lot else going on and I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. Will definitely be buying an additional bottle.
The milky coffee and overly heavy oak is not working for my taste. Otherwise fruity - figs & damson but heavy oak.
First time tasting this whiskey I found it to be very dry & malty, I had a 3-course dinner prior and it completly ruined this whiskey. Last night I decided to have another go and it took me by suprise! Its a well balanced, fruity and wonderful whiskey that demands attention and easily can be ruined.
Good Whisky!
