Starward Two Fold Australian Whisky Review

Updated February 17, 2021

By Richard Thomas

Average Rating: B

Starward Two-Fold Australian Whisky
(Credit: Richard Thomas)

Back in 2007, just as the American craft whiskey scene was truly gaining its first momentum, Starward Whisky was founded in Australia. Relying on Bill Lark for advice, David Vitale set out to start what has since become one of the best-known distilleries in Australia, especially mainland Australia (as opposed to Tasmania).

The thing is that most of the whiskies from Australia are malts (indeed, most world whiskies in general are malts). Two Fold isn’t. In fact, it doesn’t closely correspond to any whisky model.

First, Starward made the wort from a combination of wheat and malted barley, and consequently call the whisky a “double grain.” I quibble with that term, because technically it should mean a grain whisky drawing on two separate distilleries, as “double malt” would. Furthermore, grain whisky must be made in a column still; Starward uses pot stills. If I were using American terminology, I’d suspect it’s a wheated malt rather than a wheat whisky based on its flavor. Leaving semantics and categorization aside, the whisky was aged in Australian red wine barrels and bottled at 40% ABV.

The Whisky
A pour of Two Fold has a coppered look, leaving a clear sheet in the glass dotted by a couple of thick legs.

As for why I suspect the whisky is a wheated malt rather than a wheat whisky, the nose led with apples and heather, with trace notes of cinnamon and wood. The flavor started with a rich, creamy and sweet current of malted honey, before turning woody. The woodiness developed a touch of spice and a touch of barrel char on the back end. From there, the finish turned light, but peppery.

Two Fold makes for some simple, but thoroughly enjoyable drinking. At it’s price point, it’s just right and a good world whisky buy.

Addendum by Alex Southgate

This whiskey looks inviting just from the bottle. It’s a really warm, deep honey colour both in the bottle and the glass. The labelling is very clever too. There’s something almost mystical about the design which really caught my eye. That and very simply I liked the name. There doesn’t always have to be deep, technical reasons why we purchase things after all.

To the nose we have floral notes and the sweetness of blackberries. The honeyed tones don’t just come over in the color, they are both present in the aroma and also the taste. These sweeter notes are balanced nicely with an oaky finish.

Starward Two Fold isn’t by any means sickly but the sweetness of honey is very much present in the tasting. This is a creamy, very easy to drink whiskey blending berries and finishing with the slight, savory heat coming from black pepper.

For me, this whiskey is a little too easy to drink. Starward Two Fold is smooth enough to keep you going back for more and a very tasty tipple to boot. Not necessarily something to go screaming from the rooftops about but I can see this finding a regular home in my liquor cabinet so kudos have to be given all round.

The Price
Here is the best part: in the U.S., this stuff often goes for $35 or less!