Heart Cut spotlights Australia amid European expansion
Independent bottler The Heart Cut has unveiled a new whisky subscription service alongside its two latest single cask bottlings, which have been sourced from Melbourne’s Starward Distillery.
Launching next week (15 April), the twin single cask whiskies – both single malts – have been matured in fresh red wine barriques sourced from the Barossa Valley – a renowned wine-producing region in South Australia.
Cask #14, which is limited to 383 bottles and presented at 55% ABV, was aged in American oak. It is described as ‘juicy and enticing’, with a burst of ‘beautiful red fruit notes’.
Meanwhile, Cask #15 was matured in French oak, bottled at 54% ABV and has an outrun of 312 bottles. This expression is said to be ‘elegant and expressive’ with a ‘toasted spice and delicate floral’ character.
Both bottlings offer whisky lovers a rare opportunity to explore the impact of oak origin and the influence of the wine previously held in each cask.
Founded in 2007 by Melbourne native Dave Vitale, Starward was born from a desire to create a whisky that is ‘unmistakably Australian’.
Inspired by Melbourne’s wildly varied climate, vibrant brewing culture, and proximity to world-class wine regions, Vitale built a distillery that celebrates locality, with all ingredients sourced from within a day’s drive of the distillery.
Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut, said: “These two releases showcase Starward doing what it does best – taking what’s local and turning it into something world class. We’ve always been fascinated by the harmony between wood, wine and whisky making, and these twin casks exemplify how American and French oak each bring something unique to the table. Where American oak gives lift and sweetness, French oak adds grip, spice, and structure.”
Casks #14 and #15 will be available to purchase on The Heart Cut’s website and select retailers, including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange. They can also be enjoyed at top whisky bars, including Dram and Soho Whisky Club in London.
Previous bottlings have included a German whisky from Stork Club Distillery, and a Scotch whisky from Nc’nean.
European expansion
As of next week (14 April), The Heart Cut will be available in six new European markets: Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, and Denmark. The brand has partnered with Tipple to expand its presence on the continent.
Fabrizio Leoni, co-founder and COO of The Heart Cut, noted: “When we launched The Heart Cut, our focus was on laying strong foundations in the UK – building a brand rooted in transparency, flavour, and collaboration. But it quickly became clear that there was a real thirst for what we were doing across Europe. Whisky lovers were seeking something different, something more explorative.
“Partnering with Tipple felt like a natural next step. They share our passion for exceptional spirits and bring the reach and expertise to help us connect with a broader community of curious drinkers across the continent.”
Consumers from these regions will be able to order The Heart Cut’s latest releases from theheartcut.com.
Slow Whisky Club
The Heart Cut has also introduced a bespoke subscription service for whisky lovers across the UK, called Slow Whisky Club.
The subscription service aims to ‘elevate and personalise’ the whisky experience, and has been designed for those who want ‘more than just a bottle through the letterbox’.
Delivering ‘curated moments of discovery direct to drinkers’ doors’, Slow Whisky Club is described as an invitation to explore exceptional whiskies from around the world through a thoughtful experience tailored to each individual.
Each box includes a full-sized bottle from the brand’s current releases, selected to match the member’s flavour preferences. Also included are two beers – including one low-ABV – that complement the featured whisky in honour of The Heart Cut’s signature Half + Heart serve.
The Heart Cut’s commitment to whisky and beer pairing has been core to its identity from conception. The whisky bottler has breweries including Wiper + True and Good Chemistry in Bristol, Newbarns in Edinburgh, and London’s Small Beer Co.
The subscription box also features: two 30ml miniatures of whiskies that The Heart Cut team is currently enjoying ‘to encourage exploration beyond the main bottle’; a guided tasting notes breakdown of flavour profiles and insight into the distillery behind the release; a curated Spotify playlist to soundtrack the recipient’s sipping session, reflecting the essence of the whisky and the club; and what is said to be the ‘final detail in a complete drinking experience’, a beautifully designed coaster that matches the bottle.
“The Slow Whisky Club is a natural evolution for us,” said Bell. “Since day one, we’ve wanted to inspire a more explorative drinking experience – through the distilleries we partner with, the whiskies we bottle, and the stories we tell. With the club, we’re inviting people to slow down, kick back, and enjoy whisky in a way that’s both educational and enjoyable.”
Memberships will be available from Monday 14 April, priced at £84 (US$108) per box. There are options for one-off gifting or an ongoing subscription delivered every two or three months.
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