Blind Tasting Surprise: Scotch… or Australia?

Blind tasting took me halfway to glory — 50% right. I nailed the malt and proof, but went Scotland when it was actually Australia. Starward Solera Single Malt, born in Melbourne, fooled me with its malt-heavy nose and apera (Aussie sherry) cask finish. The solera process means you’re sipping both young and older whiskey at once, and it shows in the depth. Dark amber, fruity nose, figgy malt taste, long warming finish. My call? 3.5/5 overall — “Sherry Kissed Aussie.” Life is good.