Today, we're thrilled to announce that Starward has been crowned the ‘Most Awarded International Distillery’ at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) — a title we’re proud to have won twice, first in 2022 and now again in 2024. This recognition is a true testament to the quality, passion, and innovation that define everything we do here at Starward.

But that’s not all. Alongside this prestigious accolade, we’ve also taken home the largest haul of medals at this year’s competition, including 13 Double Gold medals, 8 Platinum medals, and 13 Gold medals. It’s our first time receiving a Platinum Medal — eight of them, to be exact — which are awarded only to those spirits that have achieved a Double Gold Medal for three consecutive years.

This is no small feat, especially when competing against over 5,500 of the world’s top spirits producers. As our founder, Dave Vitale, perfectly sums it up: "It’s absolutely surreal… Sixteen years ago, I set out to craft a whisky that reflected Melbourne in every sip, and now it’s Melbourne that has allowed our whisky to shine bright on the global stage."

So, what better time to get to know the ins and outs of Starward? Where do we begin? With a drink, of course! Sam’s drink of choice is a Nova Whisky, neat, in a nice glass — our flagship single malt whisky, matured in French and American oak barrels, encapsulating all the facets of Starward. We’ll have what he’s having.

Home is Where the Whisky Is

Let’s set the scene. When you step into the Starward distillery, you’re greeted by a cavernous old (like 100 years old) shed. It’s a big space; you need plenty of room. The ceilings tower above, and the sound of pumps, steam, forklifts, and people shouting are punctuated with the ‘chink’ of ice being dropped into glasses at the bar. Yes, the distillery has a bar, and yes, the drinks are always flowing. As you take in the space, you’ll notice a slightly fruity scent filling your nostrils — the fermentation. "That’s all those lovely fruity esters from the yeast fermenting plus the smell of red wine from the oak barrels," explains Sam Slaney, our Head of Production. This is Starward: a modern urban distillery proud of being in Melbourne and doing everything under one roof. "We go from grain to bottle on site," says Sam. "We get our malted barley from Geelong, we use our super clean Melbourne water, and all staff (from finance to marketing) work out of here. It’s a real space — a nice mix of polished service next to the place it’s made."

The Dream Team

This win celebrates fantastic people and friends who’ve come and gone over the past 16 years. "They’ve all been across the journey and have contributed so much to what we do and who we are," says Sam. Notable shoutouts include Starward’s Head Blender, Jarrad, who, according to Sam, is whisky master material: "I don’t use that word ‘master’ willy-nilly, but he’s well on his way." Then there are our production distillers who are all over nailing the quality and Production Manager Pete, who ensures everything happens without a hitch behind the scenes. "We couldn’t have done it without our team — they’re a reflection of the work and love put into Starward."

The Most Awarded International Distillery of the Year at the 2024 SFWSC

For those who have followed Starward on their journey for a little while, you’d know that this isn’t the first time our liquid gold has struck gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2022, we were graciously coined as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery of the Year’. To take home the title, you must be the distiller earning the most points, measured by the number and level of awards won. We were chuffed to have won 12 Double Gold and 3 Gold medals that year — a fantastic validation of not only the quality of whisky Starward is making but also what’s coming out of Australia. "We’re proud of Starward leading the charge of Australian whisky going global, and to get it on the tips of tongues of drinkers and food enthusiasts around the world."

Want to visit our globally accoladed whisky distillery but aren’t sure where to start on the drinks list? Sam suggests a Two-Fold and tonic. "People come in who aren’t necessarily whisky drinkers; we’ll serve them a Two-Fold, ice, and a good quality tonic topped with a slice of ruby grapefruit, and they try it and say, ‘Wow! I didn’t know you could do that with whisky!’" That’s just the beginning — we’ve got plenty more whiskies to try neat, over ice, or shaken up in a cocktail. So, see you at the bar where you can raise a glass to the Most Awarded International Distillery of the Year. We’ll drink to that!