Australia’s only dedicated rye whiskey distillery, The Gospel, has added to its core range for the first time in six years, with Bonded Rye.

The first-ever Australian ‘Bottled-in-Bond’ whiskey, created to meet America’s strictest whiskey standard, is something no other Australian distillery has attempted before.

‘Bottled-in-Bond’ signifies that a whiskey has been distilled in a single season, at a single distillery, by a single distiller, then
matured for more than four years and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).

The Gospel Co-founder Andrew Fitzgerald said: “This is the most deliberate whiskey we’ve ever made.

“The Gospel was born from our obsession with great American whiskey, and our desire to create a distinctly Australian version. We decided to create a Bottled-in-Bond whiskey as we wanted to see what is possible if you take the strictest standard in American whiskey, and make it in our Melbourne distillery, with the best Australian rye, by the hands of Australia’s top distilling talent.

The result is a whiskey of extreme precision and provenance. It’s for the people that take their whiskey as seriously as we do.”

The ‘single distiller’ responsible for The Gospel’s Bonded Rye is Master Distiller Ian Thorn, Australia’s only accredited Master
Distiller, who has been guiding The Gospel’s distilling operations since its early days.

Like The Gospel’s Straight and Solera Rye, Bonded Rye is produced using 100% Australian Rye, grown by a single farmer in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia, which borders Victoria.

Specifically chosen for its harsh climate, the rye from this area is small and dense – renowned for its distinct, extraordinary
flavour and is unmatched by rye from other regions in Australia.

Tried & tasted: Bonded Rye

Fitzgerald visited Sydney last week to introduce the new release to The Gospel’s most dedicated fans. Tastings were held at the Ace Hotel in the Ace Suite, as the distiller wanted the evening to feel like a relaxed party with friends.

“It’s a whiskey designed for people that take their whiskey as seriously as we do,” Fitzgerald said. “But it’s also a liquid that’s meant to be enjoyed with friends.”

The Gospel’s Bonded Rye has aromas of toffee apple, caraway, dark rye bread, fennel seed and creamy grain. The palate carries notes of pepper, chai spice, vanilla and a rich, sweet pastry note, finishing full-bodied with a lingering pepper heat.

It’s a superb whiskey and while it packs a 50% ABV punch, it’s smooth on the palate and delicious both on ice and in alcohol-forward cocktails.

The Gospel Bonded Rye is available for RRP $140 from www.thegospelwhiskey.com and select independent retailers.