Starward Whisky Has Completely Overhauled Its Massive Distillery and Bar in Port Melbourne

Starward Whisky has been making and pouring award-winning drams at its Port Melbourne distillery and bar since 2016. It's also where the crew runs masterclasses, gives tours and hosts a heap of regular whisky-related events.

But all of this wasn't quite enough for Starward. One key ingredient was missing: food. Too often, folks would head over for drinks and whisky experiences, only to leave soon after for a proper feed to soak up all the booze.

Thankfully, they've now enlisted Drew Traynor (ex-Eau De Vie and Cumulus) to run the site's new kitchen. Here, he's created a menu stacked with elevated bar bites like smoked trout, quinoa and sweet potato croquettes; kangaroo and pork sausage rolls; house-baked barley bread with Pure Peninsula honey and whisky butter; and fried chicken with barbecue sauce and a punchy blue cheese ranch.

All the dishes are made to be paired with a dram of whisky or a seasonal whisky-based cocktail. For now, these include the autumn whisky sour with apples and strawberries and the pumpkin latte milk punch. Starward also has a heap of old fashioneds available (essential for any whisky bar), plus its signature pre-bottled whisky negroni. A tight selection of beers and wines is up for grabs for those needing a break from the strong malty bevs.

The team is still hosting its usual whisky masterclasses and distillery tours at the Port Melbourne site, plus they've also added a new fill-your-own-bottle experience. Guests who choose this will get the opportunity to bottle up their own whisky right from the barrel, before customising their own label and take-home gift box.

Architects from Studio Y have revamped the large industrial space, breaking it into a bunch of different spaces — helping it feel more intimate and less like one cavernous airport hangar. Everything at Starward's renovated site is now carefully considered and curated — whether you're drinking at the bar, eating in the dining room or wandering around the barrels out back.

You'll find the new-look Starward Distillery & Bar at 50 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne. It's open on Thursdays from 3–9pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 12–10pm and Sundays from 12–7pm. For more information, head to the venue's website.