When it comes to Australian rye whiskey, the land down under has long been whispered about as an up-and-comer, a place still finding its footing in a world where bourbon and scotch reign supreme. But calling it “nascent” feels like an understatement—it’s more a sapling beginning to stretch its branches under the big Aussie sun, already bearing golden fruit and just waiting for the world to take notice.
And at the heart of this whiskey renaissance is none other than The Gospel Distillers, Melbourne’s rye alchemists. Born out of the city’s urban sprawl, they began as Melbourne Moonshine, but what was once a side project quickly evolved into a full-fledged rye revelation. In five years, they’ve managed to craft a rye whiskey that sings with all the soul of a blues riff and all the grit of a bushranger’s final showdown. This isn’t just another take on whiskey—it’s literally a gospel of rye, and each bottle adds another verse to the story, guided by The Gospel's idosyncratic approach.
Their journey hit a major milestone in 2019 with the release of their Solera Rye, marking their dedication to rye with the single-minded intensity of a gambler who knows the cards are in their favor.
However, it is their flagship Straight Rye Whiskey that captures the essence of Australian rye with a nod to its American origins, while boldly forging its own unique path.
But The Gospel’s story is as much about the land as it is about the spirit. They source their rye from the Murray Mallee region, a place where the soil is as tough and unyielding as the outback itself. This rye isn’t just a grain—it’s a testament to resilience, a dense, hardy crop that carries the sunbaked richness of the Australian soil. And from the fields, it journeys to The Gospel’s Melbourne distillery, where a towering six-meter column still looms like a modern-day temple, a spire dedicated to the art of distillation.
Here, the rye is treated with reverence, aged in American oak barrels carefully selected for the task. After two years, it emerges transformed, its flavors deepened and its character sharpened.
This isn’t your average whiskey; it’s a revelation in a glass. One whiff and you’re greeted by a nose full of oak, rye bread, and the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar vanilla—it’s like stepping into a bakery on an autumn morning, where the scents of freshly baked loaves and warming spices mingle in the air.
And then, the first sip—sharp, with a hint of acidity that jolts the palate awake, before mellowing into a harmony of flavors. The rye unravels slowly, like a story told around a campfire, with notes of raisins, cereal grains, and a savory hint of leather. In the background, a subtle bitterness lingers, adding complexity and depth.
And finally, the crescendo—a finish filled with spice, ginger, and just enough sweetness to leave you wanting more.
Drinking The Gospel Straight Rye is like having a conversation with the land, the grain, the barrel, and the distiller all at once. It’s a dialogue between tradition and innovation, a marriage of American rye heritage with Australian wildness. Each sip invites you to linger, to savor the way this whiskey captures a moment, an experience, a memory.
As for their limited-edition releases under the Gospel Projects banner, they remain elusive—like hidden gems scattered across the Australian outback. Rumor has it that a cask-strength version might be on the horizon, and if their past efforts are anything to go by, The Gospel Distillers are poised to keep pushing the limits of what Australian rye can be.
So, imagine it: under an endless sky where kangaroos bound and kookaburras laugh, there sits a bottle of The Gospel’s rye whiskey on a dusty shelf. It doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t need to. Like the rugged beauty of the outback, its strength lies in its quiet power, its ability to surprise you when you least expect it. This isn’t just a whiskey to drink—it’s a whiskey to contemplate, a spirit meant for sharing stories by the fire, for remembering the good times with friends.
So, let’s raise a glass to The Gospel and their ode to rye. May their spirit continue to flow from the heart of Melbourne to whiskey lovers around the globe, from the outback to the bustling streets of Manhattan. After all, every gospel needs its followers, and this one? It’s preaching to the converted.
Tasting Notes: The Gospel Straight Rye Whiskey
Vital Stats: 45% ABV, 100% Australian unmalted rye, aged a minimum of two years in charred new American oak barrels.
Appearance: Gleaming honey-gold, with legs that linger as lazily as an outback sunset.
Nose: Rye bread, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla—like the warm embrace of a bakery on a crisp morning.
Palate: A touch of bitterness opens the show, but soon the rye reveals its layers: raisins, savory cereals, and a spicy tingle, underpinned by a faint leathery edge.
Finish: A rising chorus of spices—ginger, nutmeg, and pepper—leaves a lasting impression, like the final notes of a song that stays with you long after it’s over.
The Gospel Straight Rye Whiskey isn’t just another bottle on the shelf. It’s a testament to Australian ingenuity, the embodiment of a bold spirit that captures the land, the history, and the craftsmanship of Australia’s emerging whiskey scene.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of The Gospel Distillers.