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The Gospel Whiskey(9)

The Gospel Straight Rye Whiskey: Australia’s Bold Answer to American Classics


Hallelujah! Have you heard the good news? Melbourne-based distillery Gospel Whiskey has risen with decadently delicious drops made using 100% Australian ingredients. Hustling since day one, the founders of Gospel Whiskey gave up their corporate life to operate the Melbourne-based rye whiskey distillery, producing incredible whiskey inside some truly exquisite bottles. And as purveyors of the lord’s whiskey, we must inform you about the virtues of The Gospel Whisky.

The Gospel Straight Rye Whiskey Key Product Specs:

  • Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 45%
  • Volume: 700ml
  • Price: Approximately $95
  • Aging: Matured in new American oak barrels, heavily toasted and charred to specific levels, for at least two years in Melbourne’s dynamic climate.
  • Grain: 100% Australian-grown unmalted rye from the Murray Mallee region in South Australia.
  • Awards:
    • Gold at the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition (96 Points)
    • Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

You might also like our list of the best Rye Whiskies!

The Gospel Straight Rye Whiskey Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Buttery dark rye bread infused with hints of spice and light toffee.
  • Palate: A dance of caramel vanilla sweetness, intermingling with allspice, clove, pepper, and a crisp note of green apple.
  • Finish: A lingering warmth of dried red fruit and crème caramel adorned with woody spices.

RELATED: The Gospel Projects High Wheat is an ode to Melbourne’s new hotspot, the Apollo Inn

A Short History about The Gospel Distillery

Founded in Melbourne by Ben Bowles and Andrew Fitzgerald, The Gospel is dedicated to crafting exceptional rye whiskey using 100% Australian ingredients. This distillery was born from a dream to create an Australian whiskey with the depth and complexity of traditional American rye. With an unwavering dedication to rye and a hands-on approach, The Gospel has become Australia’s only dedicated rye whiskey distillery, championing local grains and Melbourne’s distinct climate to produce whiskies that are truly reflective of their terroir.

Winners of the prestigious Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards, Gospel Whiskey is no stranger to the finer things in life.  Perfectly balanced and bursting with flavour, The Gospel Whiskey follows four unique truths to ensure the best possible result while producing whiskey.

Absolute truth & discovery, support for the community, a commitment to culture and creativity, and finally, being a true Rye fanatic. By staying true to their beliefs, The Gospel Whiskey has positioned itself amongst the local community that supported it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Born in Brunswick, Melbourne, committing to cultural creativity is intrinsic to The Gospel Whiskey’s attitudes and, of course, synonymous with the suburb itself. Of course, being a distiller of whiskey means being a fan of the 100 percent Australian rye that goes into every batch.

Bowles and Fitzgerald chose the Brunswick neighbourhood’s backstreets to launch their dream. It took 18 months to construct a distillery big enough to match their goals but small enough to remain hands-on where it matters. It features a six-meter high continuous column still, designed and built in-house, and a bespoke copper pot still.

Kicking things off with a bottle of  Straight Rye Whisky, The Gospel has just released a whiskey-based coffee liqueur collab with coffee legends Code Black Coffee under their sub-label, The Dispensary. Operating amongst a team of an experienced group of winemakers and brewers, each with a fierce love for deliciously unpretentious rye whiskey, we can’t wait to taste the excellent news. Can we get an Amen?

Check out The Gospel

Alternatives to The Gospel Straight Rye Whiskey

  • Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky (NSW, Australia): A unique Australian twist on rye whiskey with rich notes of spiced custard, sandalwood, and sun-dried raisins.
  • Belgrove Rye Whisky (Tasmania, Australia): known for its inventive production techniques and rich, spicy palate.
  • Rye & Sons Australian Whisky (Australia): A newcomer showcasing the potential of Australian rye, with a bold character and a smooth finish.
  • Sazerac Rye Whiskey (USA): Sazerac offers a spicy profile with a sweet finish for those seeking a classic American rye with a rich history.
  • WhistlePig 10-Year-Old Rye Whiskey (USA): This premium option for rye enthusiasts is renowned for its depth, complexity, and robust spice.

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