In a striking renovation just 10 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, Starward Distillery & Bar redefines the whisky drinking experience.
The revamped Starward Distillery & Bar is Melbourne’s newest destination where award-winning spirits and innovative dining converge.
Reinventing Whisky Enjoyment
As Australia’s first spirit brand to win the ‘Most Awarded Distillery of the Year’ at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Starward now invites guests to its newly refurbished home. The focus here is clear: move beyond traditional whisky perceptions and introduce patrons to a modern, flavour-focused whisky experience.
The bar features an array of seasonal and signature cocktails that showcase the distinctive, fruit-forward character of Starward whisky. Visitors can savour classics like the whisky sour, explore boilermaker pairings, or enjoy a selection of local wines and beers. Each beverage celebrates Victoria’s finest producers and highlights the synergistic relationships Starward has cultivated with local collaborators.
A Taste of Melbourne’s Finest
For the first time, Starward introduces a thoughtfully curated food menu, spearheaded by Head Chef Drew Traynor, formerly of Eau De Vie. The menu, inspired by Melbourne’s dynamic food scene, offers dishes that perfectly complement the distillery’s whiskies. From antipasto grazing boards to whisky negroni marinated olives and house-baked spent barley bread with whisky butter, each dish utilises locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and engaging dining experience.
Experience Whisky First-Hand
Starward doesn’t just offer food and drinks; it provides a full immersion into the world of whisky. The ‘Fill Your Own Bottle’ experience is a first for both the distillery and Victoria, offering enthusiasts a chance to bottle their unique expression of Starward whisky. Other interactive experiences include distillery tours, where visitors can learn about the whisky-making process and participate in guided tastings.
A Space Crafted for Discovery
The interior, designed by Studio Y, melds modern industrial aesthetics with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the aroma of fresh malt and a view of the distillery’s gleaming copper stills. The open-plan bar area allows visitors to watch skilled mixologists at work. Intimate booths provide a more secluded setting for tasting sessions or relaxed dining.
Starward’s Experiential Manager, Patty Karakostas, is excited to welcome both newcomers and long-time patrons to the new space. “After revitalising our brand home, we’re thrilled to offer a memorable, tailored whisky experience,” says Karakostas. From casual sips with friends to deep dives into whisky lore, the revamped Starward Distillery & Bar caters to all.
Starward Distillery & Bar
Located at 50 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne, is now open for business. This destination promises an engaging and modern whisky experience right in the heart of Melbourne. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Starward offers a journey through the art and science of whisky, all within a stone’s throw of the bustling city centre.
