Starward 2017 Unexpeated

With the penchant for peated whisky of many whisky lovers, it does not surprise me at all that the Australian Starward also has an expression on the market, called Unexpeated. A nice pun on both unexpected and unpeated, because no peated malt has been used for this. The smoke is all from the fact that our Australian friends gave their malt aged in red wine barrels (say the Fortis) another finish on former casks from Islay. Knowing that Diageo has recently acquired a share of the stocks, we do not have to look too far. The red fruit that is characteristic of Starward is certainly present here, as well as the soft herbs and earthy notes that I already had in the Nova, but the whole is deliciously packaged in a smoky jacket. Note: this is not peat in your face, but a delicate smokiness accompanied by some walnuts and marzipan. There is a maritime touch to it, but completely in the background. The body is on the light side and it is immediately sweet. Think cherry candy and wine gums. But that is quickly overpowered by a nice sweet and sour touch of peat, a soft smoke development and a warm, spicy mouthfeel. This is perfectly balanced, though. The finish is relatively short, starts sweet and sour and ends with a spicy smokiness. The Unexpeated costs about 85 to 90 EUR in our country. I confess that I did not expect much from this, but this is not bad at all. And although I have no idea, I just assume that they were casks of Caol Ila or Lagavulin. In terms of taste, I'm betting on the second, although my heart hopes the former. Whatever.