Masters of wine: A fresh look at Starward with Carlie Dyer

Head distiller and blender at Starward, Carlie has some of the greatest experience in managing Australian table wine casks than arguably anyone else in the country. As Starward approaches 20 years in the industry, the way Carlie and the distillers before her have developed cask treatment plans, maturation regimes and blending techniques has put Victorian whisky on the map in a very special way. 

While the whisky market ebbs and flows, the casks continue to mature and Starward has entered a new phase of its existence. A renewed focus on Melbourne and how we enjoy a whisky. The most recent release from Starward, the Yalumba Octaves 2026 takes casks filled in 2018 and allowed them to continue maturing past the usual levels of cask influence commonly associated with a Starward whisky. But, a wonderful thing happened! The oak tannins didn't increase and take over, instead they became refined, and oxidation did it's thing, polishing those spicy elements to a rich and complex release. 

In this special tasting, Carlie will compare the 2022 release of Yalumba Octaves with the 2026 iteration so we can see the transformation for ourselves. The evening will also include the latest Pinot Noir Projects release and a look at how Apera casks are continuing to evolve in the Australian whisky landscape as consumption continues to wither. 

Whisky & Alement's relationship with Starward goes back to the very first bottle that ever left Essendon fields and we are proud to support the steadfast approach of the people behind the business as it continues into its next phase of life. We hope you can join Carlie, Fred and probably Dave this October. 

On Tasting:

• 15ml x Starward Yalumba Octaves 2022
• 15ml x Starward Yalumba Octaves 2026, RRP $160
• 15ml x Starward Projects Release, Pinot Noir cask 2026, RRP $190
• 15ml x Starward Single cask, Ex-Red wine, RRP $190
• 15ml x Starward Single cask, Double Chardy Party, Whisky & Alement exclusive, RRP $195
• 15ml x Starward Single cask, Ex-Apera, RRP $190
• 15ml x Starward Cask Sample, Ex-Apera
• A mini Starward Bobby Burns nightcap, downstairs at the main bar following the event

When? Where?

Monday 26th of October 2026

Doors open at 6:45pm for a 7pm start

Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell Street, Melbourne 

Want to sit with your friends?

Please indicate in the comments if you would like to be seated with anyone in particular. 

Changes & Cancellations

Please refer to the FAQ's page on our website for full details about change of date and cancellations.

Change of date is available with a minimum of 7 days notice. 

No cancellations or refunds for any product. Tickets can be gifted to friends or family without notifying the venue.

Disabled Access

Disabled Access is available on the ground level, but is not available for our tasting room. Please contact us before booking and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Other T&C's

All participants must be over the legal age of 18 years in order to participate and consume alcohol.

We reserve the right to refuse service without refund, to any persons displaying intoxicated or inappropriate behaviour.

Photography and videography - By purchasing a ticket to an event, you acknowledge that the event may be filmed or photographed and give consent for the film or photographs to be published on any platform by Whisky and Alement or by any other entity used for promotion. Films and photographs may be used occasionally for other marketing purposes.