In a remarkable feat, Starward has clinched the title of ‘Most Awarded International Distillery’ at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), marking a historic moment as the only Australian distillery ever to receive this honour twice.
Celebrated as the ‘Olympics’ of the spirits world, the SFWSC is a prestigious event that draws over 5,500 entries from renowned brands across whisky, gin, tequila, and more, each evaluated by a discerning panel of expert judges through blind tastings.
Emerging victorious against such formidable competition underscores the exceptional quality and global appeal of Starward’s offerings. “It’s absolutely surreal… There’s no other way to say it,” shares Dave Vitale, Starward’s founder. “Sixteen years ago, I set out to craft a whisky that reflected Melbourne in every sip, and now it’s Melbourne that has allowed our whisky to shine bright on the global stage. We have an abundance of Australian red wine barrels on our doorstep, unpredictable weather (which is maturation’s best friend), and some of the purest water in the world; all the makings for award-winning whisky. For this, I’m so grateful and this is our tribute to the city that is reflected in every drop of Starward.”
Starward’s triumph is solidified by an impressive haul of accolades: 8 platinum medals, 13 double gold medals, and 13 gold medals awarded in May 2024. These honors testify to the distillery’s mastery in creating Melbourne-made whiskies that captivate connoisseurs worldwide.
Chief Executive Officer Simon Marton echoed this sentiment, noting, “To be recognized as the world’s best not once, but now twice, is an incredible achievement. There is no doubt that Australian whisky has earned its place amongst the world’s icons, and we’re excited to help take a taste of Australia to the world. We certainly see this achievement as a testament to our team’s passion, drive and dedication in taking our whisky to new horizons, and we look forward to leveraging this momentum to drive growth and awareness for our home-grown whisky.”
For those eager to experience the taste of Starward’s award-winning whiskies, they are available for purchase via the official website, www.starward.com.au, and at leading liquor retailers such as BWS, Dan Murphy’s, Vintage Cellars, and Liquorland. This significant accolade not only cements Starward’s place on the world stage but also celebrates the distinctiveness and spirit of Melbourne, embodied in every bottle.