In time for World Whisky Day, 15 May 2021, Port Melbourne’s Starward Whisky will release the sixth annual edition of its wildly popular, single-malt Ginger Beer Cask. 

The annual, one-off release has returned, touting dark chocolate and orange aromas teamed with a fiery ginger, fresh vanilla and pineapple palate. Matured in red wine barrels, this limited-edition bottle is set to get whisky lovers’ tongues wagging. 

Sam Slaney, Starward’s Production Director, says the sixth edition is the team’s most experimental version yet: “Ginger Beer Cask has garnered an almost cult-like following, so the pressure was on to craft yet another standout bottling … We started brewing a fiery ginger beer in French and American oak barrels at home in our Port Melbourne distillery. 

“We loaded our recipe up with citrus peel and fresh gingers. Once the barrels staves had soaked in the spicy goodness, we emptied and then refilled the barrels with a union of Apera and red wine barrel-aged single malt whiskies,” Sam said, insisting this year’s expression will not disappoint.

Owing to the drink’s cult-like popularity, Ginger Beer Cask #6 will be available via a ballot system for purchase. How will this work? Interested buyers should register their interest via starward.com.au by Sunday 9 May. Winners of the ballot will then be notified between May 10-14, if they have secured their chance to purchase the highly anticipated bottle. 

The result of this year’s distillation will be available in a 500ml bottle for AU$119. If any bottles remain unclaimed after the ballot ends, they will be available online or on-site at the Port Melbourne distillery shop on World Whisky Day (15 May). And, you can taste-test the golden liquid at the distillery’s bar.