Turntable and Starward team up

Glasgow whisky blender Turntable has partnered with Australian distillery Starward to create a limited edition blend.

The 46% ABV expression, named Collaboration Drop 01 with Starward, is the first in a new series that will see the blender work with distilleries from around the world.

The blend is mostly (39%) Starward’s ex-Australian red wine cask whisky, alongside expressions from Scotch distilleries Caol Ila, Inchgower and North British.

“From the moment we started Turntable, we had an idea about working with new world whiskies in the pursuit of flavour,” said co-founder Ally Stevenson.

“Our friends at Starward Distillery in Melbourne have been producing outstanding Australian single malt whisky for more than 15 years and, for this blend, we wanted to create something that showcased their style – ex-Australian wine casks – but gave a new dimension.”

The collaborative blend will be able to buy for an RRP of £85 (US$107) per 700ml bottle from specialist retailers in the UK, as well as in some key markets in Europe and Asia.

Only 3,300 bottles are available.

“Whisky drinkers can look forward to a characterful blend that hopefully encompasses the best of both Scottish and Australian traditions,” said Turntable’s co-founder Gordon Stevenson.

“Combining the sweeter wine casks with the smoke and salt of Islay, and working with some older grains and Speyside single malts to provide additional depth and complexity, has been a lot of fun. We cannot wait to hear people’s reaction.”

Starward recently released a limited edition whisky finished in Lagavulin casks. The brand hopes to become one of the world’s top five whisky makers.