Octave Barrels: Yalumba The Octavius and Starward Whisky

So when Starward asked if they could mature some whisky in our octave barrels we were as excited as they were to produce a modern single malt whiskey, shaped by our iconic The Octavius Shiraz and aptly named Starward Octave Barrels.

Yalumba The Octavius old vine Shiraz is a flagship Shiraz born of treasured old vines dating back to the 1854. These are some of the oldest Shiraz plantings in the world, matured in Yalumba Coopered oak octaves, the inspirations behind the name of this fine, Barossa wine.

We are the only winery in the Southern Hemisphere to have an onsite working cooperage to handcraft our barrels. Our Yalumba Master Coopers crafted the unique 100L French and American oak octave which The Octavius Shiraz is matured in before bottling. To our knowledge, this is the only red wine in the world matured in 100L sized barrels.

Once The Octavius Shiraz was bottled, the freshly emptied octaves were shipped to Port Melbourne where they were filled with Starward’s signature single malt.

When it comes to whisky maturation, the octave barrels are the best there is, offering a higher ratio of wood-whisky interaction, which leads to aromas of raisins, ripe peach and caramel and leaving a full bodied flavour in the drink.

“We have long held a love for Australian whisky, and to have the opportunity to work with Starward has been amazing. To see the craftsmanship of our Yalumba coopers brought to life through this unique project has been a privilege to be involved with. Collectors have been following The Octavius for decades, and we can’t wait to share this special release with whisky and wine lovers alike,” said Jessica Hill-Smith.

To buy your own Starward Octave Barrels Whisky we have early access through the Yalumba Wine Room. This special release is available in an exclusive gift pack with Yalumba The Octavius 2016 750mL and Starward Octave Barrels 700mL bottle for RRP $295.

Starward Octave Barrels Single Malt Whisky Tasting Notes:

Colour Auburn
Aroma Rich, full bodied expression. Red fruit, raisins, ripe peach, caramel and toasty oak
Palate Viscous and long, dark forest fruits, and a toasted oak backbone
Finish Toasted marshmallow on the finish


Yalumba The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz 2016 Tasting Notes:

Colour Deep purple red
Aroma Dark cherries, anise and red raspberry
Palate Rich dark berry, fruit compote
Finish Perfectly balanced, elegant and refined

Exclusively available from the 26th of October when you visit the Yalumba Wine Room or contact [email protected] 08 8561 3222.