The Gospel Projects, based in Melbourne, Australia, are known for being (thus far) the only dedicated rye distillery in the country. Seems unlikely given the sheer size of the place, but there you have it. I’m not going to argue with them. Gospel Responsible Rye is their attempt at producing a non-alcoholic rye whiskey alternative. It’s only 0.5% ABV and, the company claims, took a year in development to perfect before launch.
So let’s pour a glass, have a taste and see whether that time was well spent.
Appearance
The presentation of Gospel Responsible Rye is certainly inviting. The liquid boasts a rich, amber colour that mirrors the depth of a traditional rye whiskey. So it sets expectations pretty high going forward. Perhaps the whiskey’s sheen is slightly muted, likely due to the absence of alcohol’s natural viscosity. However, this is a minor detail that doesn’t detract from the overall elegance of its appearance.
Aroma
On the nose, Responsible Rye is a sensory delight. The dominant aroma is warm and spicy, featuring prominent roles for cardamom and anise. These bold initial notes are complemented by subtler hints of apricot and toasted oak, creating a well-rounded and inviting bouquet. There’s a certain nuttiness there too, mainly of pecans. There’s also a faint herbal quality, with whispers of bay and sage, adding a layer of complexity that keeps the nose intriguing.
Taste
Those spicy notes that made an impression on the nose are also the founding figures on the palate. You get that initial hit of rye spice, all bold and peppery, when you fist take a sip. As the taste evolves, layers of toasted oak and dried fruit emerge, lending a comforting warmth. The herbal edge makes a late appearance to add a little more depth. The absence of alcohol’s natural warmth is noticeable, but this is skilfully compensated for by the depth of flavour which gives it a lot of character.
Mouthfeel
Gospel Responsible Rye manages to strike a decent balance between smoothness and structure, offering enough body to feel substantial without being overly heavy. It has a silky texture that coats the palate, enhancing the perception of richness. The spices provide a gentle warmth that mimics the sensation of alcohol without the harshness. However, the finish is slightly drier than expected, which might leave some tutored rye drinkers longing for a touch more viscosity. Overall though, very satisfying for a non-alcoholic drop.
Finish
The finish of Gospel Responsible Rye is clean and pleasantly lingering, with the spicier notes. dominating the aftertaste, accompanied by a sweeter echo of caramel and toasted oak. While the finish is well-executed, its duration is slightly shorter than a traditional rye whiskey’s, likely due to the absence of alcohol. However, this lighter conclusion aligns with the spirit’s approachable nature, so this is a good one for those exploring the world of NA whiskey.
Pairing Suggestions
Gospel Responsible Rye certainly stands up on its own, in a glass with a single ice cube. It would also go well with ginger beer or a dash of bitters. I reckon it would do fairly decent service in a Manhattan too. If you do like to have a nibble with your whiskey, I’d go for finger food. Some prosciutto, a slice of sharp cheddar, or maybe some barbecue ribs.
Overall Impressions of Gospel Responsible Rye
Gospel Responsible Rye captures a lot of the bold and spicy essence of rye whiskey. There’s a good level of complexity on the nose and palate and a nice, smooth mouthfeel. While it lacks the fiery warmth of traditional whiskey, you can tell its been well-crafted. Seems like that year in development was well spent after all.