Whisky Review: Starward Octave Barrels

Whisky Review: Starward Octave Barrels at 48% ABV, bottles priced at roughly $80 Shades of c — at $80, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.

Nose

Shades of copper with a lightish body and streaky legs. Round, juicy aromas of ripe stone fruits and dark cherries accompanied by a hint of toasted oak. The major notes from the aroma are present but in the reverse order. Wood takes its time opening up into fresh dark cherries and dried fruit. The sweetness of the fruit flavors builds up into a saltwater taffy finish that is unexpectedly well complemented by lingering oak notes.

Palate

The range between $50-100 is fraught with peril. Bottles at this price point generally incorporate some process wrinkle or craftsperson’s touch that differentiates them from more widely available options. Idiosyncrasy is always a risk, however; it will appeal to some palates and tastes more than others, and the higher production costs combined with limited runs will drive up the price. When you drop two to three times the cost of your trusty well bottle on an unknown quantity, there’s some natural anxiety that it won’t live up to the promise, or that it will be recognizably good but not quite to your taste. If the tasting notes pique your curiosity and you can comfortably gamble $80 on the experience, Starward’s Octave Barrel expression might be worth the risk. rnrnI found everything I’m looking for in a superior glass of whiskey here, even if these aren’t all notes that I would generally gravitate towards. Succinctly put, it offers a unique assortment of several clearly defined, well integrated flavors that provide a pleasant, minor challenge to my palate. The wine casks put a strong stamp on a well-made whiskey and adds something unique, especially when combined with the added interest of the bottle coming from across the ocean.

Finish

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

The Bottom Line

Whisky Review: Starward Octave Barrels is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $80, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.