Following in the tradition of popular get-’em-til-they’re-gone drops such as the ‘Stout Cask’ or ‘Bourbon Cask #2’, Starward is utilising the arrival of the holiday season to reveal its new Panettone – a “rich yet delicate” whisky, crafted on spirits of grain and single malt.
Named for and inspired by the Milanese fruit cake that is so popular among Italian diasporas during the festive season, Starward Panettone is founder David Vitale’s love letter to “the warmth of [a] summery Christmas” and his own family’s yuletide tradition.
“Growing up, we would always have big family Christmases,” says Vitale. “And, without fail, my mother’s panettone would always be on the table…made from her family recipe, of course.”
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Somehow – in keeping with the Starward reputation for mad whisky wizardry – Vitale and his distilling team have managed to take the essence of that same panettone recipe and turn it into a delicious seasonal dram.
From your first whiff to your final sip, all of the classic Italian fruit cake flavours are present in a big way. A bouquet of tropical fruit and golden syrup, punctuated by the occasional sliver of toasted almond, draws drinkers in.
On the palate, there’s an (unsurprisingly) Christmas pudding quality: with fruit-forward and toasty tasting notes in equal measure. Demerara, toffee, and candied raisins are all flavours you’re likely to encounter – rounding out into a lengthy finish that’s just a little bit rum & raisin ice cream in character.
Sounds absurd, we know. But that just goes to show how much of a knack these malt magicians from Port Melbourne have for transmuting classic flavours into a new (and dangerously sippable) state.
“Starward Panettone is a ‘raise of the glass’ to the beautiful memories made over the festive season – both in the past and to come,” Vitale continues. “It’s a whisky that’s close to my heart…and I’m looking forward to seeing how whisky lovers create their own festive tradition with it.”
Whether served neat, in an Old Fashioned, or as the ultimate stocking stuffer, let Starward’s latest bottling be a part of your 2024 holiday tradition.
Starward’s limited seasonal Panettone release will be available to subscribers of the brand’s newsletter beginning November 7th. The whisky will then go on sale with the general public on November 14th. Sign up for the Starward newsletter here.
This article is sponsored by Starward. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
