Distilleries aren’t traditionally at the top of the list when you’re looking to take your significant other out for a pleasant evening. But that was before the arrival of the newly revitalised Starward Distillery & Bar.
Located just a stone’s throw away from Melbourne CBD, this revamped space, brought to life by the architects at Studio Y, blends a strikingly modern industrial aesthetic — copper stills and all — with a welcoming ambience.
The real selling point, however, lies in the cuisine.
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For the very first time, Starward has unveiled an impressive food menu curated by chef Drew Traynor (formerly of Melbourne institution Eau de Vie). Crafted using locally sourced ingredients from producers who reside within a day’s drive from the distillery; and tailormade to complement Staward’s whisky, there’s plenty to explore on this “flavour-filled journey.”
Standout inclusions range from antipasto grazing boards, whisky Negroni marinated olives, house-baked spent barley bread with Pure Peninsula honey and whisky butter; to smoked trout, quinoa, and sweet potato croquettes; and fried chicken with Two-Fold BBQ sauce and blue cheese ranch.
For those of you seeking to be schooled in all things whisky, try The Distillery Chef’s Selection. A dining experience wherein a Starward expert guides you through a three-course sip and grazing menu; each dish highlights a specific stage of the whisky-making process. Guests can also anticipate a whisky cocktail tailored to what’s on their plate.
Other similarly immersive experiences available at the new Starward Distillery & Bar include the Distillery Tour & Tasting package; the Whisky Masterclass & Barrel Tasting package; plus the headlining ‘Fill Your Own Bottle’ experience. As the name suggests, the latter allows guests to bottle their very own unique expression of Starward whisky from a barrel of their choosing — under the careful guidance of a resident expert (who will also provide you with a customised label and take-home gift box).
“After taking some time to reinvigorate our brand home, we’re so excited to finally welcome both new and returning customers back into our space,” said Patty Karakostas, Starward Hospitality & Experiential Manager.
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“Whether they’re sipping with friends, embarking on a tour, enjoying a cheese and whisky pairing with colleagues, or expanding their whisky knowledge with our masterclass, the options for enjoyment are endless.”
Karakostas continued: “Regardless of where you sit on the whisky-loving scale, our expert team can guide you on a memorable, tailored whisky experience.”
Port Melbourne’s Starward Distillery & Bar officially (re)opens its doors this week (April 11th, 2024) — book a table or perhaps a tour reservation below.
