American

Frey Ranch 100% Barley Whiskey + Tasting Notes

$59

OVERALL
RATING

Frey Ranch 100% Barley Whiskey Review + Tasting Notes

Frey Ranch's 100% Barley Whiskey is distilled from two-row unmalted barley and aged for four years and eight months, bottled at 110 proof.

by Finian Sedgwick
March 17, 2025

Chief Growth Officer at BAXUS, expert in whiskey, spirits, wine, and blockchain with global industry experience.

Tasting Notes:

About:

Frey Ranch is one of those distilleries that goes the extra mile and wants you to taste that in each bit of whiskey they release. Based out in Nevada, they’re one of the few true grain-to-glass distilleries in the U.S., and this 100% Barley release is a perfect showcase of what can happen when quality and innovation work well together. Forgive my naivete but I had absolutely no idea that grain farming even existed in Nevada, let alone that families like the Frey family have been doing it in Nevada for over 165 years. I was pretty excited to try this one so let’s get straight into it.

Appearance:

Light golden amber

Nose:

Right away, this one pulls you in—rich, warm, and seriously inviting. The barley is front and center and it\’s great, think chocolate digestives, followed by fresh honeycomb, and a little oaky cherry sweetness from the wood. It’s layered, but not heavy-handed. Just really well put together.

Palate:

This is where it gets interesting. There’s an unexpected pop of blueberry and a cool touch of peppermint that keeps things fresh. The texture is silky, with a nutty richness that’s got just enough weight without ever feeling too thick. More chocolate, a bit of oak, and a subtle sweetness that lingers but never overstays its welcome.

Finish:

Bright, moreish, and just keeps pulling you back in. Loads of freshly roasted nuts and a deep, almost date-like richness at the very end. It’s hard to compare this to anything else in American whiskey right now, I went back for a second.. and third dram. Definitely worth chasing down a dram of your own.

Comments:

Frey Ranch is determined to prove that great whiskey starts with great grain, and for me, this is a great example of exactly that. Perhaps my Irish roots are particularly drawn to the un-malted barley roots in this release or maybe it’s just something that’s quite different to the rest of the American whiskey landscape right now but I’ll make sure to have a bottle of this on my bar to share with friends.

Finian Sedgwick

A seasoned marketer and growth expert with over 14 years of global experience in the wine, spirits, and whiskey industry. Currently the Chief Growth Officer at BAXUS, Finian’s expertise spans Irish, American, and international whiskey, collectible spirits, wine, champagne, and blockchain technology. His portfolio includes successful collaborations with renowned brands such as Jameson, Chivas, Monkey 47, G.H.Mumm Champagne, and Black Emerald Irish Whiskey. Passionate about the power of words, shared experiences, and authentic connections, Finian is dedicated to bridging the gap between brands and consumers, advancing the drinks industry, and elevating the appreciation of exceptional beverages.

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