Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Frey Ranch Farm Strength Straight Bourbon

We review Frey Ranch Farm Strength Straight Bourbon, a cask strength expression made with grains grown from the farm it was distilled at.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Frey Ranch Farm Strength Straight Bourbon review

Tasting Notes

About:

62.15% ABV. Mash bill: 66.6% dent corn, 10% winter wheat, 11.4% winter rye, 12% two-row malted barley. 124.3 Proof. MSRP 79 USD.
Appearance:
Auburn
Nose:
The high proof is apparent with a strong medicinal rush of alcohol, but it grows into a mix of rich forest smells of moss, old wood, and pine.
Palate:
I can taste a smooth base of malted cereal, accented by flavorful notes of baking spice and caramel. There is a dark, molasses sweetness underlying the profile. Despite its high alcohol content, there’s not much burn to this, and I can enjoy the flavor for a decent period before the intensity sets in.

As the finish comes on, the woody flavors are complemented by hints of brine and smoke, almost like a peated whiskey.
Finish:
Comments:
The flavor isn’t especially complex, but it’s rich. The high proof gives a lot of weight to the flavor, which leans into dark, almost syrupy richness. I can definitely believe that the grains are making an impact, as I feel the most richness in the malty, cereal forward notes.rnrnSometimes I don’t need something with a complex mix of fruit and spice notes, sometimes I just want something with a strong punch and rich cereals. If you enjoy something rich, dark, and strong, this would make a worthy addition to your shelf.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Taylor Shiells

Taylor is a writer, researcher, and whiskey enthusiast. He came to Portland in pursuit of higher education, and found himself staying to pursue the Pacific Northwest's wide range of olfactory offerings. He's a fan of craft beer, farm to table food, indie perfume, and, most of all, whiskey. While he provides technical research to the entertainment industry by day, the Whiskey Wash gives him the opportunity to explore his passion, hone his palate, and practice a more flavorful form of writing.

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