bartender offering glass of frey ranch bourbon in bar

Frey Ranch Bourbon Review: Our Expert Thoughts

Frey Ranch Bourbon is a newer bourbon brand that is making its mark on the bourbon world. Frey Ranch takes a complete farm-to-table approach to bourbon, and the Frey Ranch farm sustainably grows all of the grains used to create the brand’s bourbon. Our article gives you details about Frey Ranch bourbon, including what you can expect this liquor to taste like, so you can get a good idea of whether this bourbon brand is a great choice for you.

A Quick Look at Frey Ranch Bourbon

The table below gives you a quick look at the most important parts of our Frey Ranch bourbon review, in addition to giving you some essential details about this liquor.

Overall Rating 4 stars
Flavor 4 stars
Value 4 stars
Tasting Notes Oak, citrus, vanilla, caramel, dried hay
Classification Bourbon
Distillery Frey Ranch Distillery
Proof 90 proof, 45% ABV
Aged Aged
MSPR $52.99

 

Pros And Cons of Frey Ranch Bourbon

The following pros and cons are a great way to learn more about what you may or may not like about the Frey Ranch Bourbon. We list some of the most important pros and cons that we’ve considered in our review.

PROS CONS
Sustainably grown grains Flavor profile can be confusing for some
Farm-to-table bourbon production Not as robust or hefty as some bourbons
Entry-level bourbon great for beginners or newcomers
Mixes well into a cocktail or can stand alone

What Is Frey Ranch Bourbon?

Frey Ranch Bourbon is a bourbon produced in Nevada. Frey Ranch has been around for more than 165 years, though the distillery near the grain farm wasn’t established until 2006. Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey features a four-grain mash bill created from corn, winter cereal rye, winter wheat, and two-row barley. These grains are slow-grown and malted on-site, then distilled and aged for five years before being bottled on-site.

Frey Ranch bourbon has a tawny color and is generally perceived as a newcomer brand to a classic liquor. The Frey Ranch bourbon is especially popular among newcomers to the bourbon whiskey world due to its palate, entry-level pricing, and versatility. This liquor can stand alone or be mixed into a cocktail for a unique experience.

Is Frey Ranch Real Bourbon?

Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey is real bourbon – this brand meets the U.S. Trade Legislation’s bourbon whiskey standards that require the mash bill to contain between 51 and 80 percent corn.

The Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey features 66.6 % non-GMO corn, 11.4% winter cereal rye, 10% winter wheat, and 12% two-row barley, meeting these standards and creating a unique blend of grains that leads to the flavor palate of the bourbon as it is aged.

What Does Frey Ranch Bourbon Taste Like?

Frey Ranch bourbon has a unique taste thanks to the mash bill of grains that are slow-grown on the Frey Ranch farm. Some of these grains, like the two-row barley, are malted on-site to create a smooth and high-quality bourbon.

The Frey Ranch bourbon’s taste is milder, and the flavor palate may not be as complex, robust, and bold as other bourbons. This could be a pro or a con, depending on your bourbon preferences. The initial aroma of Frey Ranch bourbon contains an oakiness with hints of citrus and orange peel.

More prominent flavor notes in the Frey Ranch bourbon are found in the first sip, and vanilla and caramel tend to come to the forefront. These flavors are followed by hints of mint and banana chips, and the mild flavors of dried hay, pepper, cedar, and treacle finish off the sip.

Continued sips build on these flavors, and the taste of Frey Ranch bourbon is often described as mild, dry, and palatable, though not particularly hefty. Ultimately, if you've had something like Mitchter's Bourbon, it will feel similar.

What Is the Alcohol Content of Frey Ranch Bourbon

Frey Ranch bourbon is bottled at 90 proof, and the ABV of this liquor is 45%. This 45% ABV is standard for most bourbons, which are never bottled at less than 80 proof, which is 40% ABV.

Is Frey Ranch Bourbon Good?

Frey Ranch bourbon is a good choice for those who are newer to the world of bourbon or those who prefer a milder yet still interesting and unique bourbon brand. The price range of the Frey Ranch bourbon is about standard for a mid-range bourbon aged around five years, and the creation of this brand from farm-to-table makes it a versatile addition to your liquor cabinet.

Considering the flavor, some individuals may find the dry, citrus, and grain-forward palate incredibly pleasing, while others may think that the overall palate of Frey Ranch bourbon lacks depth and heft, especially on the back end of a sip. This might make it a pass for some individuals looking for a more robust bourbon, though these typically come at a higher price point.

If you are looking for a bourbon that can stand on its own or hold its flavor when mixed into a cocktail, Frey Ranch bourbon is a fine choice at a reasonable price point.

Is Frey Ranch the Best Bourbon?

While Frey Ranch certainly is an up-and-coming brand that works to produce sustainably grown grains for smooth bourbon, it is not generally considered one of the best bourbons out there. Frey Ranch bourbon is more of an entry-level bourbon, and the flavor palate of this bourbon isn’t the most complex or appealing to some experienced bourbon drinkers.

That being said, Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a unique choice with an interesting flavor profile, and it can be a staple on your shelf, especially if you are looking for a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cocktail.

How Is Frey Ranch Bourbon Packaged?

Frey Ranch bourbon is bottled on-site at Frey Ranch in Nevada. The bottles are clear glass and 750ml, and the branding features a yellow label with important details about Frey Ranch bourbon, such as ABV, proof, and the distillery’s location. The Frey Ranch logo is also found on the bottle to complete the branding and give this packaging something that makes it stand out.

How Should You Drink Frey Ranch Bourbon?

Frey Ranch bourbon can be consumed like many other bourbons out there – you may enjoy this liquor neat, served over ice, or mixed into a cocktail. In general, you can serve Frey Ranch bourbon at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Popular cocktails in which you may want to utilize your Frey Ranch bourbon include the boulevardier, a whiskey sour, and the bourbon smash. You can pair your Frey Ranch bourbon with happy hours, both casual and formal dinners, or enjoy it as an after-dinner drink to cap off your evening.

How Much Does Frey Ranch Bourbon Cost?

Frey Ranch bourbon is a mid-range bourbon that costs around $55 when purchased online from the manufacturer or at a liquor store. If you are buying Frey Ranch bourbon at a restaurant or bar, you can expect a shot to be about the average price of a mid-range shot of liquor in your area.

The location and the type of establishment you purchase from play a big part in the pricing, but you may generally expect to pay between $10 and $20 for a cocktail made with Frey Ranch bourbon or a straight shot of this liquor served neat or on ice.

Where Can You Buy Frey Ranch Bourbon?

Frey Ranch bourbon is available throughout most of the United States, and you may be able to find it in whiskey bars, restaurants, and cocktail bars. Local liquor stores may carry this brand, or you can purchase it directly from the manufacturer, depending on state rules regarding shipping spirits. Online liquor stores such as Speakeasy also sell Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Is Frey Ranch Bourbon a Good Gift?

Frey Ranch bourbon can be a good gift for someone new to the world of bourbon or someone looking for a unique bourbon spirit to add to their shelf. This liquor has a unique backstory and is sustainably produced, making it a farm-to-table product and giving it something to stand out from the other bourbons found in liquor stores today.

However, if you are looking for a gift for the experienced bourbon drinker who prefers a more complex liquor with plenty of heft, you may not want to gift the Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey because of its milder finish.

Where Are Alternatives to Frey Ranch Bourbon?

Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a unique liquor, though there are some alternatives if you are looking for something similar yet with a varying flavor profile. We recommend  Heaven’s Door Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Four Branches Bourbon, and Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon.

These alternatives offer a wide range of flavor profiles and hefts to their liquors while maintaining relative accessibility. They can also all be enjoyed alone or mixed into a cocktail for a versatile and enjoyable bourbon experience, similar to the Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Farm-to-Table Frey Ranch Bourbon

bartender holding out glass of frey ranch bourbon with ice in bar

Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey may be one of the newer bourbon brands on the market, but this liquor is unique enough to stand out. Crafted with sustainably grown grains that are malted, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled on-site, the Frey Ranch bourbon experience is completely farm-to-table, perfect for newcomers to the bourbon world or for individuals looking for a unique bourbon to add to their liquor collection.

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