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Frey Ranch Distillery Celebrates a Decade with a Unique Five-Grain Whiskey

In honor of its tenth anniversary, Frey Ranch Distillery, a pioneering establishment in Nevada known for its grain-to-glass process, is unveiling a limited-edition five-grain whiskey. Collaborating with a notable industry expert, the distillery aims to mark this milestone with a complex and distinctive spirit.

Notably, Frey Ranch stands out as one of the few fully integrated distilleries in the United States. This means that every stage of production—from growing the grains to mashing, distilling, and aging—occurs on-site. The commitment to this comprehensive approach has allowed the founders to proudly label themselves as “Whiskey Farmers.”

The new release, named Harvester Series: 10th Anniversary Edition, was crafted in partnership with esteemed blender Nancy Fraley. This project marks one of the distillery’s most intricate bottlings to date, as Fraley worked closely with co-founders Colby and Ashley Frey, alongside master distiller Russell Wedlake, to sift through over 100 barrels and explore 14 different mashbills.

“Though we have extensive knowledge of grains and a top-notch distilling facility, working with Nancy allowed us to transform our best offerings into something extraordinary,” shared co-founder Colby Frey.

This five-grain American whiskey is uniquely formulated using grains cultivated on the Frey family farm. The blend includes:

• 71.2% from a single-grain rye whiskey
• 9.3% from a single-grain, soft-white winter wheat whiskey
• 10.5% from a mash bill comprising corn, wheat, malted barley, and oat
• 9% from a mash bill featuring corn, rye, malted barley, and oat

The resulting product boasts a proof of 121.14 and remains non-chill filtered, which differentiates it from traditional bourbon and rye categories, earning it the title of “American whiskey.”

“Working with Nancy on this special release was a significant highlight in my career. Her depth of expertise and enthusiasm led us toward a compelling direction,” Frey commented.

Fraley aimed to highlight the natural ingredients cultivated on the fifth-generation family farm. “What we’ve created showcases a high-proof whiskey where the grains truly shine,” she explained.

Tasting notes reveal a soft initiation of confectioner’s sugar followed by dessert-like flavors, including custard and marshmallow. The whiskey concludes with a lengthy finish enriched by milk chocolate and pine nut undertones.

The inclusion of oats in this blend provides a notable distinction from other Frey Ranch offerings. Typically, the distillery’s bourbon features a four-grain recipe of corn, rye, wheat, and barley.

“That fifth grain, oat, contributes an earthy character. It introduces elements akin to graham crackers and a hint of anise,” Frey elaborated. “While subtle, this flavor profile is noticeable across the nose, mouthfeel, and finish, and we take great pride in it.”

The Harvester Series: 10th Anniversary Edition is presented in a commemorative bottle designed to resemble a grain silo. A limited release of only 500 bottles will be available at the distillery’s tasting room, online through a pre-sale, and at select Nevada retailers. Although not age-stated, the blend incorporates whiskeys aged up to 7.5 years, with a suggested retail price of $250.

Frey Ranch Harvester Series: 10th Anniversary Edition

ABV: 60.57%

Maturation: Bottled at 121.14 proof, this offering includes whiskey aged up to seven and a half years. The unique climate of Nevada promotes faster maturation compared to many regions.

Blend: Frey Ranch collaborated with blender Nancy Fraley to sample over 100 barrels from various mash bills. The whiskey features all five grains grown on-site: corn, rye, wheat, malted barley, and oat. Given its composition of both bourbon and rye elements, it is categorized as “American Whiskey.”

Availability: The release is limited to 500 numbered bottles available starting April 26 at the tasting room, with an online pre-sale from April 30 through May 6 and at select retailers in Nevada.

MSRP: $250

Source
www.foodandwine.com