At the latest San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Starward Whisky took home 13 double gold medals, the competition’s top accolade, which was more than any other distillery from around the globe. As a result, it has earned itself the title of Most of Awarded Distillery of the Year for 2024. 

“To be consistently recognised at this calibre is gobsmacking, quite frankly,” said David Vitale,  Starward’s Founder. 

“I started off with a simple vision; to create a distinctly approachable Australian whisky we can offer the world with pride. 

The 2024 result follows on from 2022, when it became the first and only Australian distillery to receive the title. 2024 marks the third year in a row that Starward has had the largest haul in the competition from a single distillery. 

“In our wildest dreams, the passionate and small team in Melbourne could not believe that this was an option, but now it’s a reality,” said Vitale.

“We are firmly stood alongside, and sometimes above…, the world’s most renowned spirits including whisky, gin, and tequila from countries such as Scotland, Japan, USA and UK. We promise to continue to push for Australian spirits and showcase our best on the global stage.”

Starward’s 13 gold medals represents a significant portion of the 41 earned by Australia overall. Within this 13, Starward was awarded eight platinum medals. Platinum medals are awarded to whiskies that receive double gold medals for three years in a row.

A complete list of Starward’s medals can be found below.

PLATINUM MEDAL:
  1. Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky [41%]
  2. Starward Hungarian Oak Single Malt Whisky [50%]
  3. Starward Left-Field Single Malt Whisky [40%] – available in UK and EU only
  4. Starward Octave Barrels Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  5. Starward Single Barrel 3278 Single Malt Whisky [55.4%]
  6. Starward Single Barrel 8193 Single Malt Whisky [56.3%]
  7. Starward Single Barrel 684 Single Malt Whisky [57.8%]
  8. Starward Tawny #2 Single Malt Whisky [48%]
DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL:
  1. Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky [41%]
  2. Starward 100 Proof (formerly Fortis) Single Malt Whisky (50%)
  3. Starward Left-Field Single Malt Whisky [40%] – available in UK and EU only
  4. Starward Octave Barrels Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  5. Starward Tawny #2 Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  6. Starward Vitalis Single Malt Whisky [52%]
  7. Starward Hungarian Oak Single Malt Whisky [50%]
  8. Starward Sticky Toffee Apple Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  9. Starward Single Barrel 3278 Single Malt Whisky [55.4%]
  10. Starward Single Barrel 8193 Single Malt Whisky [56.3%]
  11. Starward Single Barrel 684 Single Malt Whisky [57.8%]
  12. Starward Yering Station Pinot Noir Cask Single Malt Whisky [50%]
  13. Starward Stout Cask Single Malt Whisky [52%]
GOLD MEDAL:
  1. Starward Two-Fold Whisky [40%]
  2. Starward Two-Fold Whisky [45%] – available in the US only
  3. Starward Ginger Beer Cask #7 Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  4. Starward Solera Single Malt Whisky [43%]
  5. Starward HER Honeycomb Whisky [40%]
  6. Starward Single Barrel 344 Single Malt Whisky [57.7%]
  7. Starward Munich Malt Single Malt Whisky [55%]
  8. Starward Chardonnay Cask Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  9. Starward Peated Finish Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  10. Starward X The Whisky Club Cognac Cask, Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  11. Starward X The Whisky Club Pedro Ximénez Cask, Single Malt Whisky [48%]
  12. Starward The Corio Distillery Casks Single Malt Whisky [55%]
  13. Starward Muscat Single Malt Whisky [48%]

Another notable Australian performer was Morris Whisky, which received eight medals altogether including five double golds.

For more information visit starward.com.au.