The Word from The Gospel is Rye July

Australia, prepare to learn everything you need to know about rye whiskey. The only dedicated rye whiskey distillery in the country, The Gospel has unveiled its Rye July program of events with Melburnians and Sydneysiders set for a month-long immersion in all things Australian Rye.

Rye July is a month-long celebration of whiskey crafted from rye. Melbourne-based distillers, The Gospel, are shining a light on the world of rye through a month's worth of curated tastings, dinners, collaborations, and cocktails for the novice through to the enthusiast.

Established in 2019, The Gospel brings a distinctly Australian approach to traditional American rye whiskey. The team behind The Gospel includes founders Ben Bowles and Andrew Fitzgerald, the only Master's level qualified distiller in Australia, Ian Thorn, plus a highly skilled team of industry experts with a collective love of rye whiskey. The Gospel sources rye grain from a single farm in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia and features a portfolio of Straight Rye, Solera Rye and limited project releases, alongside experimental spirits in The Dispensary range.

"Have a chat with anyone about whiskey, and they usually focus on where it's made or how long it's been aged, but there's less focus on the base ingredient it's made from. We want to change that with Rye July by bringing people's attention to the dense, hardy grain, known for challenging even the most experienced distiller and making whiskeys that are unmatched in boldness of flavour,” The Gospel Co-Founder Andrew Fitzgerald said.

"We have packed the month with some innovative new releases while also working with our friends behind the bar and collaborative partners to craft some incredible rye whiskey experiences. Whether you've never tried a rye whiskey before or you're fanatical about rye like us, there is something for everyone to be immersed in the world of rye."

The Gospel will host a Rye July Launch Party at Rooftop Bar in Melbourne, followed by a Distillery Open Day for those keen to peek behind the scenes at The Gospel. The distillery is in Melbourne's eclectic Brunswick and features a six-metre high continuous column still designed and built in-house and a bespoke Copper Pot still.

Teetotal drinkers can also experience a taste of Rye July with The Gospel set to release Australia’s first non-alcoholic rye whiskey alternative, Responsible Rye, on 6 July.

"Responsible Rye has been in development for over a year under the guidance of accomplished Sommelier and R&D Distiller Ellie Ash to perfect the flavour of rye whiskey in a non-alcoholic alternative. This is exciting new territory for us as we aim to make a drink that's inclusive for everyone to enjoy and without compromise," Fitzgerald said.

In New South Wales, The Gospel has teamed up with Coal & Cedar in Newcastle for a Rye July masterclass hosted by The Gospel Brand Ambassador Bodie Howell. And in Marrickville, Poor Toms Gin, now Whiskey Hall, is getting a rye makeover with a cocktail masterclass featuring both spirits, with more additions to the Sydney event roster to be announced soon.

For just a taste of Rye July, The Gospel has partnered with more than 50 venues across the country to put on rye whiskey drinks specials for the month.

For additional information, ticket sales, and the complete program of Rye July events in both Victoria and New South Wales, visit www.thegospelwhiskey.com/pages/rye-july.