Starward versterkt whiskyassortiment van De Monnik Dranken

Bijzonder klimaat

Het klimaat van Melbourne draagt eveneens bij aan de rijping. Warme dagen kunnen snel worden gevolgd door koele lucht uit het zuiden. Door deze temperatuurwisselingen zetten de vaten uit en krimpen ze weer. Daardoor komt de whisky tijdens het rijpen intensief in contact met het hout.

Nieuwe samenwerking in Nederland

De Monnik Dranken verzorgt vanaf 1 oktober 2026 de distributie van Starward in Nederland. Het merk voegt een eigen Australische stijl toe aan het whiskyassortiment, met wijnvaten en het klimaat van Melbourne als belangrijke invloeden.

De whisky’s zijn vrij te bestellen, neem voor meer informatie contact op één van onze verkoopbuitendienstmedewerkers.

Meer informatie over de samenwerking staat in het persbericht hieronder.

De Monnik Dranken strengthens its new world whisky portfolio with Starward Australian whisky
As of 1 October 2026, Starward and De Monnik Dranken will enter into a strategic partnership for the distribution of the Australian whisky brand in the Netherlands. By adding Starward to its portfolio, De Monnik Dranken strengthens its position within the growing New World whisky category and aims to further expand the brand’s presence.

Founded by David Vitale in Melbourne in 2007, Starward was created to produce an accessible and distinctly Australian whisky. Inspired by Melbourne’s ingredients, climate and wine culture, Vitale matured the first Starward whisky in an Australian red wine barrel. Today, Starward produces its whisky in Port Melbourne using locally sourced grains and Australian wine barrels, creating a strong connection with the country’s renowned wine industry. Melbourne’s fluctuating climate further shapes the whisky by increasing the interaction between the spirit and the wood during maturation.

Starward has developed a broad range of whiskies that reflects this modern Australian approach. The single malt whiskies are fully matured in Australian wine barrels, forming a central part of the brand’s philosophy. The whiskies have been developed to be enjoyed neat, with food or as part of a cocktail, making the brand relevant for both whisky specialists and a new generation of whisky drinkers.

De Monnik Dranken is a family-owned company founded in 1918 and currently led by the fourth generation. The company is an established importer, beverage wholesaler and brand builder in the Dutch market. Over the years, it has grown into an organization with more than 130 employees and a high-quality portfolio of wines and spirits sourced from over 35 countries. In December 2018, De Monnik Dranken was granted the honorary title “Royal” by the King’s Commissioner.

Luuk Olde Monnikhof, fourth-generation owner and Managing Director of De Monnik Dranken, is enthusiastic about the new partnership:
“Interest in whisky from countries outside the traditional whisky regions continues to develop. Starward brings a distinctive Australian perspective to the category through its close connection with the country’s wine industry and Melbourne’s unique climate. The brand is a strong addition to our New World whisky portfolio and offers relevant opportunities for all channels.”

QUOTE STARWARD – DAVID VITALE
“We started Starward with a simple ambition: to make a distinctly Australian whisky that reflected where we come from. Just like Australia, The Netherlands has a wonderfully curious drinks culture, so De Monnik feels like a natural partner for us. They understand how to build brands for the long term, and we’re excited to work together to put Starward in front of more Dutch drinkers, whether that’s neat, alongside a great meal or in a cocktail.”

Through this partnership, Starward and De Monnik Dranken aim to further develop the Australian whisky category in the Netherlands and introduce more consumers and trade professionals to Starward’s distinctive Melbourne-made whiskies.