Brunswick-based rye whiskey distillery The Gospel has curated a month of events in Victoria and NSW during July, aimed at increasing awareness of the rye grain and its unique spirit.
The festivities will include tastings, dinners, cocktails and Australia-wide collaborations with the on-premise, kicking off with a launch party at Melbourne’s Rooftop Bar on Curtin House tonight at 6 PM. This event is hosted by Brand Ambassador Bodie Howell and is open to the public.
For those in the drinks trade, The Gospel is hosting an industry-only masterclass for venues in the Newcastle area, at Novocastrian bar The Blind Monk on July 12. Interested parties are invited to contact Vanguard Luxury Brands for more information.
Andrew Fitzgerald, Co-Founder of The Gospel, said that ‘Rye July’ was focused on changing the conversation surrounding whiskey.
“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,” Fitzgerald commented.
Rye July is not necessarily in conflict with Dry July, as non-drinkers can be among the first to sample a taste of The Gospel’s Responsible Rye, a non-alcoholic rye whiskey alternative, at a launch party on July 8.
“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,” Fitzgerald said.
Responsible Rye’s launch will be held at Melbourne-based non-alcoholic retailer and bar, Brunswick Aces.
The Gospel is also hosting a distillery open day on July 2, the first time public access to the distillery has been granted.
Later in the month, the distillery is launching a new product under its ‘The Dispensary’ line of experimental liqueurs and spirits on July 27, with another launch party and special tasting open to the public.
Aside from the major events in Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle, The Gospel has also partnered with more than 50 venues around Australia, showcasing rye whiskey by putting on drinks specials and Rye July menus.
A full list of Rye July events and participating venues can be found here.