Frey Ranch has celebrated 2024 in grand style by commemorating 10 years of crafting ground-to-glass whiskey. The “Farmers + Distillers” tagline says it all: Frey Ranch is a working farm that is also making quality whiskey.
Owners Colby and Ashley Frey, along with their entire team, have been hard at work crafting their whiskey exclusively from grains grown on their land. This is rarified air, as there is a short and exclusive list of distilleries doing this. Frey Ranch has a secret weapon, though.
With nearly 150 years of family farming ethos and a decade of dedication to the craft of whiskey, the distillery has quickly gathered momentum as the darling of the West in the world of whiskey. They are already the largest producer in Nevada and have set their sights to strategically take on additional markets. In their current trajectory, Frey Ranch will continue to grow at a brisk pace and win favor with whiskey enthusiasts across the board.
Earlier this year, Whiskey Network sampled some Frey Ranch offerings and you can read about it here.
In October 2024, Whiskey Network visited the Frey Ranch and spent time with Colby Frey for an in-depth experience of their impressive operation. Located in Fallon, Nevada, the distillery is located just over one hour from Reno, 2.5 hours from Mammoth Lakes, California, and three hours from Sacramento. The drive will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery, courtesy of the Sierra Nevada mountains and environs. Just off U.S. Route 95, the final turn is Dodge Lane., which is a paved road lined with trees and surrounded by farmland about as far as the eye can see. Eventually, this gives way to a gravel road that leads right into the parking lot of the distillery.
The grounds are already buzzing with the work of the day at hand. Colby Frey has been hard at work, and our meeting begins with coffee in the back office of the distillery. It’s a humble base of operations for this emerging giant and reflects the hard-working ethic of everyone involved. Master Distiller Russel Wedlake is setting up for his day and we trade stories about whiskey. Despite the early hour, we’re all laughing within minutes and comparing notes on the misadventures that whiskey has led us to. Over a second cup of coffee, Jack the distillery dog wanders in and introduces himself. With that, we step outside for a tour of the grounds.
As a fifth-generation farmer, Colby Frey is a sturdy and rugged individual. Colby carries with him the collective knowledge of those who came before him, and he bears a truly special connection to the land. Farming is a mixture of science and an art, and he applies both with strikingly adept ability. For example, he’s armed himself with modern technology to keep the fields level to a precise degree. This allows the fields to be watered with less waste and without the use of electricity.
When it comes to the crops themselves, Colby knows them on a next-level basis. Our first stop is to look at the remaining area left on the farm where their corn is ready to be harvested. He knows why it’s the peak moment to be collected and can tell you deep details about the type of corn that it is. He’s also in touch with the crop rotation that keeps the soil productive and fertile. This is the tip of the iceberg of everything that goes into being good to the land, reducing waste, and making fine whiskey.
If you look at the bottom of every bottle of Frey Ranch Whiskey, you’ll find the following statement: “Be good to the land and the land will be good to you.” This credo is the spiritual fuel that goes into everything that leads up to liquid filling that bottle. Not only is Colby keenly connected to the land, but he also has superior knowledge of making whiskey. It’s important to point out again that Frey Ranch is one of only a few select distilleries growing their own grains and distilling in the same place. This is the secret sauce as to why Frey Ranch Whiskey is superior and instantly beloved by those who try it.
Our next stop is to look at the whiskey making operations areas of the distillery. First up is the still, and it’s a work of art. Colby relates a story about when they finally ordered the equipment but there was a surprise on arrival: it didn’t come with assembly instructions. Undaunted, he made a few phone calls to the manufacturer, then he and Russel rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They were able to make some smart adjustments to meet their own unique needs, based on their collective know-how. Soon enough, the still came to life and began producing those first iterations of Frey Ranch Whiskey.
The other areas of the distillery carry the same fingerprint of sustainability through smart process. They have self-made equipment for drying the malt and it’s hand built for their unique needs. Where the liquid is bottled and prepared is in the old workshop of the farm. In fact, the original structure of the workshop his ancestors used is still in one part of that building. Operationally, there is a delicate and deliberate harmony that permeates everything along the process to turn grains into whiskey.
Finally, the centerpiece of the entire time on premise is visiting the warehouses. Stepping into the original warehouse is a sensory experience that nearly defies explanation. The air is thick with the aroma of whiskey maturing in barrels, and it is strong enough to taste. Your eyes are drawn to the symmetry of the racks stacked to the roof. When you touch the barrels, they are supple from the ideal environment, but firm in their construction as they hold in and interact with the liquid inside of them. For any whiskey enthusiast, this is a temple that needs to be visited, and proper respect given to the process occurring within.
The entire operation at Frey Ranch is deep and complex. The select elements presented here are just barely scratching the surface of the knowledge and information involved. Hopefully, this snapshot is enough to entice enthusiasts to visit. Dive deep and discover more!
For our last highlight, we chatted with Ashley Frey on the steps of the visitors center. She’s engaged, cheerful, and focused on the day to day operations of the business along with the promotions and branding. Watching her and Colby interact underscores why this duo is achieving success with this whiskey; their formidable partnership is always on display. At the time, she is working on upcoming events to celebrate the University of Nevada for its 150th anniversary bottle. In her immediate rear-view mirror are the recent open house events at the distillery that attracted huge crowds from around the country. Good things continue to happen because of their hard work.
As the visit concludes, the visitors center is about to open. There’s a crowd gathering and an air of excitement as people anticipate tasting great whiskey and touring the operation. It’s just another beautiful day at Frey Ranch Distillery. There’s a field of corn waiting for Colby, and business planning to be executed by Ashley. After sincere thanks, we go our separate ways. Of course, sampling the whiskey was on the agenda for me. My best recommendation is that you find a way to taste this whiskey for yourself. Whether it’s at the distillery or in any fine establishment that carries it, you will be rewarded.
The success of Frey Ranch is not an accident nor a flash in the pan. The level of commitment and execution is second to none. With ten years of whiskey making behind them, Frey Ranch Distillery has quickly ascended to become the crown jewel of the West. Their commitment to sustainability paves the way to many more years of success. For now, there are still many more markets to conquer and plenty of whiskey still to make. The unique combination of connection to the land and whiskey making acumen are superpowers in and of themselves. But having them so deeply ingrained into the DNA of the distillery is something that not many can replicate.
For any whiskey enthusiast who is in the area, visiting Frey Ranch is easily a bucket-list item to add to your list. Seeing the operation in action and tasting their high caliber whiskey is well worth the journey. Visit here for more information on tastings and tours.
Whiskey Network and Mark Pruett would like to thank Colby and Ashley Frey, and the entire Frey Ranch team for their hospitality and time.
