Sydney whisky retailer The Oak Barrel has awarded Starward Two-Fold its coveted Whisky of the Year 2018.

The Oak Barrel, recognised by the Icons of Whisky awards for its whisky retailing, said it was “incredibly excited to offer an ‘everyman’ expression, regularly available on shelf.”

Created using Australian wheat and barley, Two-Fold is the Port Melbourne based distillery’s newest offering which makes use of Melbourne’s unique climate to mature its whisky in locally sourced red wine barrels.

Founder of Starward Whisky, David Vitale explains, “I started Starward with a simple vision; offer the world a distinctly Australian whisky unshackled from tradition. We mature our whisky in Red Wine barrels to create a bridge for wine drinkers to discover whisky in an approachable and accessible way. We felt it was important for us to create a flavour-full but easy-drinking and approachable whisky that talks to the place it is made, like very few whiskies can.” 

Scott Fitzsimmons, Whisky & Spirits Specialist and Buyer for The Oak Barrel commented: “Starward are the first to offer a modern Australian whisky on this scale, at this price point and we think it’s so important for the industry moving forward. Two-Fold is the ultimate in guilt-free whisky drinking; neat, rocks, cocktails, at bars or at home – it fits it all. I truly believe we’ll look back and regard this as a definitive release for modern Australian whisky. All context and consequence aside, it’s also really tasty.”

Vitale added: “We’re incredibly appreciative to have the support of our local Australian retailers. Two of our key ambitions for Two-Fold are accessibility and affordability, so we’re pleased that this award acknowledges both of those ambitions.”

Ray Noble of Southtrade International, the Australian distributors of Starward Whisky, said: “Consumers are used to Australian whisky being either unaffordable or unattainable. Two-Fold breaks the mould by not only being delicious but also readily available. The affordability of this expression also builds on Starward’s mission to become the most talked about Australian whisky.

“David and his team are making exceptional whisky and I’m sure this will be one of many accolades for Two-Fold. Bars and bartenders, restaurants, and retailers have provided great support since the launch, and we’re excited to continue the growth of Starward and Two-Fold.” 

The secret to Starward Two-Fold’s accessible price tag

Two-Fold’s retail price is highly competitive compared to many Australian craft spirits on the market. It’s made from a blend of 60% wheat spirit and 40% malted barley spirit and has 40% alcohol by volume.

Vitale chose the lower ABV to minimise the effect of excise tax on alcohol. He pays $24 in excise tax on every $95 bottle of single malt whisky he produces and didn’t want to juggle the same financial pain on Two-Fold.

The use of wheat spirit was also a budget-friendly move, with Vitale buying it ready-made in bulk from ethanol producer Manildra Group. 

“Wheat distillation requires substantial investment,” Vitale told the Australian Financial Review. “So, we’ve partnered with Manildra [Group, an industrial distiller in southern NSW] and they’ve effectively created a custom distillation stream for Starward that we mature in our barrels here. We’re able to leverage their scale of production and meet the market [with Two-Fold] at a price point that is far more attractive from a sales perspective.”

Vitale proudly added to Business Insider: “They supply pretty much every well-credentialed gin distillery in Australia.

“They were kind of confounded by the fact that we didn’t want grain neutral spirit, what we wanted was something that still had flavour in it.

“From their perspective they’d view that as impure, but for us it’s exactly what we’re looking for. We partnered with them to get the flavour profile just right and then started to lay it into barrels.”

Jason Davis, Manildra Group – Head of Ethanol Sales (Victoria), said the company is thrilled with the collaboration.

“It’s terrific to support and work with like-minded Australian-owned businesses such as Starward Whisky. David and Andrew’s approach is to revolutionise the whisky industry in Australia – creating products that are world-class in quality and craftmanship, but accessible to every-day Australians. We’re proud to partner and supply Starward with our premium wheat-based alcohol to create a flavour-full distinctly Australian whisky.”

Starward Two-Fold 700ml is available at the leading bars, restaurants, and bottle stores throughout Australia, including The Oak Barrel, RRP $70.00.