The Gospel Solera Australian Rye Whiskey (700ml)

A 100% rye made in Brunswick, Melbourne from all-Australian grain grown in the Mallee. Following double distillation the whisky is matured in a two-story tall bespoke solera system composed of new American oak and x Australian wine barrels.

On the nose this sweeter-styled rye hints at toffee apple, buttered Ryvita, light caramel fudge and low-key muddled mint. Oily yet fresh with good weight and feel, a fanning burst of rye spice leaves you with shades of chocolate box, oily grains and finally, mint sprigs. It's silky and very accessible rye with a winey twist. Try it with dry ginger ale and a slice of orange. 42.5% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Solera Rye is The Gospel's entry–level product, designed as an easy–going mixing whisky to rival imported American whiskies like Jack Daniel's, Jim Beam and Canadian Club, and as such, it's one of Australia's most reasonably priced and widely distributed whiskies. "Solera" refers to the Spanish method of maturing sherry. It's essentially a way of saying that this product is a blend of older and younger whiskies, which is a good way to achieve consistency over time. The result is a light, bright, approachable whisky that rivals its imported counterparts in quality and complexity. It smells like a big bite of Cherry Ripe with lots of warm, fruity oak and a hint of forest floor. There's also good integration here; it's playing nicely with all the fruit and oak notes. There's also a wonderful aroma of apricot museli bar, a common finding in Australian–produced rye whiskies, and sets them apart from American rye. This product has improved markedly since it was first bottled as The Gospel's inaugural release back in TKTK, so if you haven't tried it in a while, it's time to look again. Is it the world's most complex whisky? No. But it's punching well above its weight nonetheless. 92 points - Fred Siggins (2025), winecompanion.com.au

Silver at the 2023 & 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition