Description

The Gospel Straight Rye Australian Whiskey (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 45%           Age: No Age Statement            Country: Australia

The Gospel Distillery is located in the vibrant inner-city suburb of Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Its urban setting allows it to leverage Melbourne’s unique climate for maturation. It was founded by Ben Bowles and Andrew Fitzgerald. Starting as an ambitious project to produce authentic American-style rye whiskey in Australia, they quickly established themselves as pioneers. They officially began distilling in 2016 (check exact start date if possible). Their unique focus on 100% Mallee Rye sets them apart in the Australian distilling landscape.

The Gospel Straight Rye Whiskey is Australia’s first and only dedicated rye whiskey distillery to produce a Straight Rye Whiskey from a 100% rye mash bill. It adheres to the strict “Straight” whiskey rules, meaning it’s aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels, ensuring a robust and genuine rye character.This means it’s made from at least 51% rye (The Gospel uses 100%), aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels, and distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV). Uniquely, it’s made from 100% Australian Mallee Rye. The rye is sourced from a single farm in the South Australian Mallee region, which is a testament to their grain-to-glass philosophy. Bottled at 42.5% ABV, a strength that balances flavour intensity with drinkability. Typically non-chill filtered and natural colour, ensuring maximum flavour retention and authenticity.

Our Tasting Notes

The Gospel Straight Rye offers a compelling profile that blends classic rye spice with unexpected sweetness and a nuanced Australian character.

Nose: Expect vibrant notes of dill, spearmint, and baking spices (cinnamon, clove) characteristic of rye. This is balanced by underlying sweetness like vanilla, caramel, and a hint of dark chocolate, accompanied by an earthy or cereal note.

Palate: Medium-bodied and robust, with a delightful chewiness. A distinct rye spice hits first, followed by a surprising sweetness of caramel, toasted nuts, and dried dark fruits (raisins, prunes). There are notes of nutmeg, black pepper, and a subtle dryness from the oak. It’s complex and multi-layered.

Finish: Long, warming, and spicy. The rye characteristics linger, with notes of charred oak, dark chocolate, and a pleasant sweetness that fades slowly, leaving a memorable impression.