An Australian co-op of 100 strong wine growers, The Group Wines, has partnered with Starward to launch a limited release of whisky barrel-aged Shiraz exclusive to Coles Liquor Group.

‘The Crash’ is a high-quality McLaren Vale Shiraz aged in Starward Two-Fold Whisky barrels and is available at Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market.

In developing The Crash, the Starward Two-Fold barrels leave pleasant and elongated notes of toasted oak, vanilla and spice, to compliment the full-bodied shiraz notes of blackberry and ripe orchard fruits.

Starward’s Two-Fold double-grain whisky is made using a spirit that folds together Australian barley and wheat, matured in American and French Oak barrels that previously held Australian red wine. 

The Group winegrower Paula Edwards said: “The demand from consumers for locally made boutique wines and whiskies is growing rapidly, particularly from younger consumers who want their drinks of choice to be authentic.

“With The Group’s vast collective of wine growers, wide site variations from the fields, vineyards, time of pick, variety of styles and the maker’s influence, coupled with Starward’s innovative approach to whisky making, we were able to create something truly unique for Coles Liquor Group customers.

“Our philosophy is that we’re ‘Collectively Better’, which informs everything we do, from our partnerships with growers to our collaborations with change-making brands like Starward. We’re all about pushing the boundaries to bring wine lovers something they might not expect while proudly keeping things local. Operating as a collective also supports the livelihood of the growers and ensures the vineyards will thrive well into the future, which is incredibly important to us.”

Starward founder David Vitale said: “We’re thrilled to partner with The Group to bring The Crash exclusively to Coles Liquor Group customers.

“While wine aged in whisky barrels is not a new concept, until now these types of wines have not disclosed the whisky barrels used. Creating a circular economy both with the barrels we receive and send away is important to us.

“We’re always searching for ways that we can repurpose our barrels or take on barrels that have lived another life. Not only is this what gives our whisky so much flavour but it’s great to see how our Melbourne-made, whisky-soaked barrels can inject a distinct flavour into another product.

“Partnering with The Group was a natural fit for the Starward brand. The Group speaks to the very thing I was inspired by 15 years ago when I founded Starward – the incredible wine regions we have access to on our back doorstep, and the red wine barrel whisky maturation. It goes without saying that this was a natural fit for us.”

‘The Crash’ limited range launched on the 1 August 2023 with an RRP of $30.