Speciality Brands adds Australia's Starward whisky

Speciality Brands, the award-winning, premium spirits distributor, will exclusively represent the globally awarded Australian whisky brand Starward, starting from 2 September 2024.

Starward was created in 2007 in Melbourne by David Vitale with the aim to offer distinctive and approachable Australian whiskies and put the country firmly on the whisky-producing map.

The brand joins Speciality Brands' world whisk(e)y range which spans from Japan to Canada and the USA to Taiwan. It includes Nikka, Kavalan, Michter's, Amrut, Chichibu, and Lot 40.

Speciality Brands will build Starward's footprint, increasing distribution across all channels with a programme of events, tastings, and sampling.

Chris Seale, Speciality Brands Managing Director, says: "We have been following the progress of Starward for some time now and have always been impressed with the brand's liquid and positioning. We're really pleased to be adding them to our portfolio. Our expertise in world whisky stands us in good stead to achieve the brand's ambition in the UK. We're looking forward to expanding on its current foundations and bring more drinkers to the Australian whisky category."

Scott English, Commercial Director at Starward whisky says: "We're pleased to be partnering with Speciality Brands to continue to grow our award-winning whisky's presence in the UK. Our Melbourne-made whisky already has an established footprint in this dynamic commercial market, and we look forward to seeing Speciality Brands unlock new opportunities for us. We know that our UK Starward fans have embraced our Australian whisky with open arms, and this partnership represents Starward's ongoing commitment to expand and grow in this region, for years to come."

Speciality Brands will be distributing the four core brand whiskies: Nova, Left Field, Solera and Fortis (100 Proof) alongside the limited releases with the agreement starting from 2 September.