Frey Ranch Distillery was born in the majestic shadow of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains and is steeped in the history of the region. About 75 miles east of Reno, NV, the Frey family has produced high-quality grains since 1854. Their legacy is rooted in the traditions of their family farm and fueled by the bountiful land that they love. As a distillery, Frey Ranch has built a solid reputation for whiskey that exudes craftsmanship, quality, and respect.
In 2006, the husband-and-wife team of Colby and Ashley Frey decided to begin a journey into the world of whiskey. Colby is the stalwart and knowledgeable steward of the land. He oversees each stage of the farming process. His motto is, “Be good to the land and the land will be good to you.”
Flowing through his hands are multiple generations of experience from those who preceded him. Ashley commands the day-to-day business operations and lovingly crafts the story of what lives in each bottle of their whiskey. From the design of the bottles, the colors on the labels, the unique bottle toppers, and the motto carved into each bottle, it’s a labor of love. Ashley’s well known for wearing many hats in her job and she’s just fine with that.
The whiskey flourishes in a process known as “Ground-to-Glass,” meaning that 100% of the grains are sustainably grown, mashed, malted, distilled, matured, and bottled right on premise. Frey Ranch is one of the few distilleries in the world that can stand by this claim and it’s essential to their process and identity. The whiskey world has taken notice and has consistently praised and awarded top honors across the entire line of products.
There are three expressions of Frey Ranch whiskey available. Each presents a unique story from the land, grains, weather, and a loving nudge from many generations of farmers watching over the process.,
First, is the Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The mashbill is: 66.6% non-GMO corn, 12% two-row barley (malted on-site), 11.4% winter rye, and 10% soft winter wheat. It is bottled at 45% ABV/90 proof. The official notes are “smooth yet complex, with oak and citrus aromas followed by vanilla, caramel, banana chips, and dried hay on the palate.”
Next, is the Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. The mashbill is: 100% winter cereal rye. It is bottled at 50% ABC/100 proof. The official notes are “intense aromas of wood and rye spice; vanilla, and caramel lead into a glorious perfume of grapefruit zest, almond, and honey. Full-bodied and buttery with plenty of black pepper spice and ginger up front. A long lingering finish brings velvety honey, raisin, and cacao nibs.”
Finally, there is a “Farm Strength” version of the Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The mashbill is the same as above, however it is bottled at 60%-66%ABV/120-132 proof. For those who enjoy a next-level experience, this is available and will exhibit the same amazing flavors with the intensity of a barrel-strength spirit.
The distillery also lists single barrel releases that may be listed in their online store, or could also be on-premise exclusives.
The distillery has generously provided Whiskey Network with samples of the Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey. What follows is an unbiased review of their products.
Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mashbill: 66.6% corn, 12% barley, 11.4% rye, and 10% wheat
ABV: 45%/90 proof
Sampled in a glencairn.
Color: Dark golden amber with bright honey highlights
Nose: Like the warm whisper of the summer wind through the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, generous notes of oak set the scene. Like the kiss of the sun high in the sky, a pleasant halo of caramel comes forward. Finally, an underlying hint of hay lingers on the end.
Palate: This is a whiskey that feels hefty on the first sip and sits with an oily mouthfeel throughout each sip. Sitting front and center are classic flavors of caramel and vanilla. On the back of the palate, there is just a hint of spice. It’s pleasant and distinct.
Finish: Returning to prominence are notes of oak and hay. There is no bite, and a bit of lingering sweetness closes out the experience. It’s comparable to a memorable Summer sunset on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
Summary: What an amazing treat this is! The level of care and craftsmanship at the distillery emerges in the flavor profile… it’s big and bold with little or no downsides. Frey Ranch has packed so much character in this amazing whiskey.
Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey
Mashbill: 100% rye
ABV: 50%/100 Proof
Sampled in a glencairn.
Color: Radiant burnt copper
Nose: This is a reminder of what Fall is like in the region: Winter has not yet arrived, but the warmth of home is welcome. A pleasant mixture of honey, oak, and vanilla brings us home and makes us cozy. A notable hint of spice is a welcome partner to the sweet notes and earthy tones.
Palate: This is a strong and warm embrace with a creamy and luxurious mouthfeel. It springs forward like a delicious treat that is coated with warm honey butter. There is a detectable note of peppery spice that is refined by the sweet honey.
Finish: Warm honey butter dominates the finish in the most pleasant way possible. A subtle hint of pepper and spicy is muted and a good reminder of the complexity. This whiskey calls forth memories of crisp Fall days hinting at the coming snow, with the warmth of an amazing whiskey to keep you company deep into the Winter.
Summary: For rye, the process to find something pleasing to the palate can be tricky. In this case, there is no doubt of this being a whiskey of superior quality and flavor. This is an outstanding example of a Rye Whiskey that offers depth and complexity instead of a spice dominant profile.
Frey Ranch is an exceptional distillery that makes whiskey of quality and distinction. Ingredients, process, and a healthy respect for tradition come together in a package that is hard to beat. While this distillery is nestled in a picturesque location out west in Nevada, their impact is being felt across the country.
If you’re looking to experience the distillery in person, they do offer tours. Go here to find out more about how to experience what they have to offer. Coming soon, Whiskey Network hopes to travel on site and provide a full report of the experience.
Bottom line… The bourbon is an incredible treat that can be enjoyed neat and offers a complex and thought provoking experience. In addition, the rye is also a noteworthy experience that is counterintuitive to the norm for this type of whiskey. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the rye edges out the bourbon by a minuscule margin.
The truth is, get them both. Frey Ranch is doing whiskey right and you don’t want to miss out.
