Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Review
In-Depth Review
Frey Ranch has been on a hot streak lately, winning the hearts and minds of bourbon lovers everywhere with its commitment to 100% grain to glass whiskey and full transparency. Located outside Reno Nevada, Frey Ranch grows all of their own grains and produces all of their whiskey on site – making them a bit of a rarity in the new craft distillery space. This type of production process gives them unique control over what they make – giving them the ability to experiment with new grains and ingredients on a regular basis. Last month, Frey Ranch celebrated its 10-year anniversary with an announcement of a large farm expansion and a new 10,000 square foot warehouse. That means we can expect a whole lot more whiskey coming out of Frey Ranch over the next few years.
One of the most anticipated releases of Frey Ranch’s young existence has been the introduction of what they call their Farm Strength Uncut expression – a cask strength version of their four grain mashbill. This mashbill includes 66.6% Dent Corn, 10% Winter Wheat, 11.4% Winter Rye, and 12% Two-Row Barley that’s been malted on site. Released in batches, today we are going to be diving into Batch #9 which comes in at 124.3 proof and is uncut and unfiltered. With an MSRP of around $80, this isn’t cheap, but for a small craft distillery feels like a relative bargain. I picked up this bottle from K&L in Hollywood for around $60. So let’s dive in and see if this is worth grabbing a bottle!
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 62.15%
Cask: New American Oak
MSRP: $80
Distillery Name: Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut
Review Date: 3/28/24
Color: Rich Caramel
Nose: The first thing that hits me is “wow – this is unusual”. This isn’t your typical Kentucky middle of the road cask strength bourbon nose. Instead, it’s got more fresh cut cantaloupe, confectioners’ sugar, a hint of medicinal iodine, and some crafty funk. It’s got the slightest bit of plastic and playdough that isn’t necessarily bad, but unusual. As it settles into the glass, more sawdust and unmalted grain come through.
Palate: Starting off gentle on the front end, it becomes meaty, bready, and full of malted grains halfway through. There’s definitely some craft funk present on the palate, so it may be a bit challenging for those more used to traditional bourbons from big name producers. After a few sips a sweet rancio edge comes through, almost like a young high proof sherry cask scotch – but with more wood and malty funk to it. The mouthfeel is excellent with some serious weight to it and a heat that isn’t overpowering.
Finish: Medium length finish that’s much sweeter than the palate. More vanilla and caramel are present but still leaves a lingering funk on the tongue that’s tough to ignore.
Final Thoughts: This Farm Strength Uncut expression from Frey Ranch wants to take you on an adventure. Its unusual palate can be challenging at times and shows a more nuanced side to one of the hottest new distilleries in America. It’s full of robust flavors that doesn’t shy away from cranking it up a few notches from the standard Frey Ranch bourbon release. It’s malty, grain forward nature might be asking too much of me, as I find myself enjoying the softer, gentler standard release a bit more. Regardless, I love what Frey Ranch has been doing lately so this is absolutely no mark against them. Their Uncut Batch #9 may not be for everyone, but still is a solid pour for the more adventurous among us.
