Sense of Place - A Journey Through Japanese Whisky

Friday 13 November 2026 | 6pm–7:30pm Starward Distillery, Melbourne A Whisky Abbey 2026 Sideshow Six Japanese distilleries. Six representatives joining us from Japan. One extraordinary tasting at Starward Distillery. On the eve of Whisky Abbey, representatives from Chichibu, Kanosuke, Yuza, Kameda, Ikawa and Nikka will come together for a rare opportunity to explore Japanese whisky with the people behind it. Can you taste where whisky comes from? Travelling from southern Japan to the north, we’ll taste one whisky selected by each distillery and explore how climate, landscape, traditions and whisky-making decisions shape its character. Hosted by Jose Dymenstein of Casa de Vinos and Fred Siggins of Starward Distillery, this panel discussion and guided tasting brings all six visiting representatives into one conversation, with stories, differing perspectives and questions from the room. Joining the panel will be Carlie Dyer, Starward’s Head Distiller and Blender, bringing a local perspective and sharing how Starward’s approach to whisky-making connects with the ideas explored throughout the tasting. Six perspectives from Japan, a local voice from Melbourne and a one-of-a-kind start to your Whisky Abbey weekend.