The founder of Australian whisky Starward has acquired the business for an undisclosed sum following its split from Diageo’s brand incubator partner, Distill Ventures.
Back in 2015, Diageo invested in the Melbourne-based business through Distill Ventures. This week, however, David Vitale (above) pulled Starward back under his control, marking what the company called the end of its “chapter” with Diageo.
“This feels like a rare opportunity to scale what we know works, in a category that’s only just getting started,” Vitale said. “I feel incredibly lucky to be doing that with the best brand, the best people, and the best years still ahead of us.”
Founded in 2007 in an old airline hangar in a Melbourne suburb, Starward’s portfolio is matured in red wine barrels.
Last year, Diageo loosened ties with Distill Ventures, deciding not to bring any new brands into the programme run by its incubation partner. Other spirits brands that the pair invested in include British non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip, which Diageo scooped a majority stake in in 2019, and Australian coffee-liqueur brand Mr Black, which it fully acquired in 2022.
