Starward Distillery

The Verdict

Port Melbourne’s Starward Distillery and Bar, named Australia’s Most Awarded Distillery of the Year at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, has unveiled a revamped hospitality experience featuring an open-plan bar and intimate booth seating. 

Along with the interior, the whiskey menu has also been refreshed, with Starward boldly venturing beyond their traditional formulas to explore the realms and nuances of the robust spirit.

Designed for both whiskey newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, the signature cocktails have been meticulously crafted to showcase the versatility of Starward whisky from classic whisky sours to boilermaker pairings.

The new fit-out blends contemporary industrial elements with timeless characters such as Starward’s first copper still, while the new open-plan bar offers whisky aficionados a prime spot to observe skilled mixologists shaking up some cocktails. 

Since the whiskey is made in Melbourne, it's only fitting that the food menu reflects the city’s culinary landscape. Led by Head Chef Drew Traynor (ex Eau De Vie, Cumulus), each dish uses locally sourced ingredients that work in harmony with the bold character of Starward whiskey, think whisky negroni marinated olives and affogato with whiskey for dessert. 

The chef’s selection menu takes centre stage as a Starward expert leads you through a three-course tasting and grazing experience with each plate highlighting the phases of the whiskey-making process. 

The distillery’s repertoire offers plenty of hands-on experiences such as the ‘fill your own bottle’ experience which sees you bottling your own whisky, straight from the barrel of your choosing. 

Image credit: Starward | Supplied