Ep.92: Frey Ranch Distillery with Colby and Ashley Frey

Purchase your sample kit here for the virtual private Riachi tasting by June 10th to ensure delivery! 

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Colby Frey's family has been farming in Nevada for 165 years, so no opportunistic farmers here (is there such a thing?) For most of that history, the family grew grain and animals for commodity markets - the high-protein, low-starch grains desired for feed, not the kind that's good for whiskey making. 

Sitting on a unique, oasis-like area by Lake Tahoe, the Frey Ranch land is magical. It truly can do whatever you want it to, if you treat it well. 

So, Colby made two decisions: he and Ashley, his wife and partner in all things farm (and whiskey!), were getting into the world of bourbons, ryes, and wheat whiskey; and, to do that, all their grain production (or at least part of it at first) would have to switch to the high-starch, low-protein style needed for making good spirits. 

I love these kinds of stories, the ones where the farmer is the distiller, the husband and wife are clearly co-partners, and where they have a heck of a dream that continues to build on itself. Sure, Frey Ranch might be limited in reach right now, but as long as they can grow enough grain to do so the Freys are intent on expanding. 

And did I mention their whiskies are fantastic? Don't believe me? Check out their social media for the lines that await them on the morning of a release, or try to get a wheat whiskey (I waited too long, and by too long I mean 4 minutes). 

I'll be rolling out reviews of their Bottled-in-Bond Rye, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Quad-Malt Bourbon in the next few days - keep an eye on the show notes and on socials so you don't miss them! 

Finally, remember their motto: Be good to the land and the land will be good to you. 

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Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks, and one of your fellow Patreon members is joining me in Lynchburg!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

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Frey Ranch Distillery

• Frey Ranch Distillery Website
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• Frey Ranch Distillery on YouTube

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