Starward Left-Field
The Single Malt Whisky Left-Field by Starward from Australia matures exclusively in former Australian red wine casks made of French oak. We are pretty happy to say that we found our Whisky of the Summer 2022.The Left-Field belongs to the core-range of Starward and is thus always available. You often have to put down quite a sum of money for Single Malt Whiskys from countries other than Scotland. This bottling is affordable even for the smaller purse. Starward themself praise the Whisky as an easily accessible all-rounder.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A strong and very intense smell of honey with orange pieces, apricot jam and vanilla literally shoots up our noses. Sweet grapes and juicy apple follow shortly after. A finch of nutmeg and mild pepper are perceptible. It feels like we are sitting in the summer in the south with a sea view in front of a fruit plate.
Palate
A very wine-like (I wonder. why...) taste presents itself. Apricot and tropical fruits dance with vanilla, malt and oak spice. One could almost say: Wine vs. Bourbon. Only the solvent-like bourbon aromas are missing. On the whole the whisky presents mild, sweet, and slightly oily. A few more %ABV might have made this flavour-profile of the NAS Whisky a little more interesting.
Finish
Smooth, nutty, peppery an slightly woody, the wine - eh Whisky - disappears after some time. The tropical fruits linger on.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
A true summer buddy with a fruity bouquet that’s fun and sure to delight whisky newcomers. If you’re looking for a light, sweet dram that’s not too complicated, here you’ll find a charming companion for garden parties – more charm than depth, but just right for relaxed evenings.
Sascha 79/100
The Starward Left-Field impresses with its balanced interplay of fruity notes and subtle oak spice, yet it somewhat falls short of its full potential. At 40% ABV, a slightly stronger presence would be desirable to more clearly define the balance between sweetness and spice.
Value for Money: Good
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Braeval 1994/2019 - Sansibar
Braeval - a distillery that is often overshadowed by its more famous Speyside neighbours, even among whisky connoisseurs. This is mainly due to the fact that official bottlings are virtually non-existent. Instead, most of the production ends up in blends. Fortunately, there are independent bottlers such as Sansibar that make it possible to enjoy such hidden treasures as single malts.
87/100
Langatun 5 Years - Wajos
The Langatun 5 Years - Wajos promises Swiss whisky craftsmanship from the Langatun distillery, bottled by the independent bottler Wajos. With a proud 40% alcohol content and five years of maturation, which should apparently feel like an eternity. Spoiler alert: it doesn't.
61/100
Tullibardine Sovereign
Tullibardine Sovereign is the entry into the core range of whiskies from the distillery in the Scottish Highlands. At the same time, it also forms the basis for further core range bottlings, each of which receives a 12-month finish in a different type of cask than the bourbon cask.
60/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Starward Left-Field mature exclusively in Australian red wine barrels made from French oak?
Maturing in former Australian red wine barrels made from French oak gives the Left-Field its distinctive fruitiness and wine-like character, setting it apart from classic single malts. These barrels impart aromas of red fruits and vanilla to the profile.
How does Starward Left-Field differ from traditional Scottish single malts?
Starward Left-Field is Australian and matures in red wine barrels, which gives it a fruitier and more wine-like flavor profile. Additionally, at 40% ABV, it is somewhat lighter and more approachable compared to many Scottish single malts, which are often stronger and peatier.
Is Starward Left-Field suitable for whisky beginners?
Yes, the Left-Field is well suited for beginners due to its mild, sweet, and fruity aromas. Its light oiliness and moderate 40% alcohol content make it an accessible whisky that impresses even without extended aging.