If you’re not familiar with the folks at Frey you’re missing out because they’re doing craft right and their Frey Ranch Rye Bottled-In-Bond is no exception. I loved the Frey bourbon, the second I tried it I knew I was tasting something unique in the craft whiskey world and, not to spoil it too much, I pretty much felt the same way about the rye. They know what they’re doing.
The bottle looks great, the label looks great, the cork and glass are heavy and feel premium and when it comes to the info on their label I’m happy with it all except for one thing… no season. I’m happy there’s a batch #, but not happy there is no distillation and bottling season on there. I’d love to know if this was a spring distillation and a fall bottling or vice-versa.
I know it doesn’t have a ton to bear on the whiskey, but when you’re dealing with smaller distilleries like this it’s interesting to try a fall distillation vs a spring distillation and see if you do pick up anything different. Especially when it’s from a farm that grows their own grain. It’s super nerdy, but fun to try.
Anywho… let’s get to drinkin’!
Frey Ranch Rye Bottled-In-Bond – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Style: Rye (Straight)
Region: Nevada, USA
Distiller: Frey Ranch
Mash Bill: 100% Rye
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 5 Years
ABV: 50%
Batch: 5
Frey Ranch Rye Bottled-In-Bond Price: $55*
Related Whiskey
Frey Ranch Bourbon
New Riff Rye
The Gospel Straight Rye
Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Rye
Wilderness Trail Rye
Frey Ranch Rye Bottled-In-Bond Tasting Notes
EYE
Ruddy caramel
NOSE
Caramel corn, rye bread, fresh muffins, copper, vanilla custard, caramel candy and a slight nutty note with some baking spice and oak.
If I had one word to describe the aroma it would be fresh. It’s so clean, complex and interesting despite its lack of oak… I’m impressed.
PALATE
Grainy sweet, oak, herbal spice, vanilla custard, caramel candy, citrus peels and cocoa with a touch of dill and earth.
Not quite as clean and crisp as the aroma, more earthy and grounded. It’s heavier.
FINISH
Med-long -> Dilly baking spice, oak and a bit of fruit fade out
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Well balanced, medium-full body and warm easy feel.
Frey Ranch Rye Bottled-In-Bond – Overall Thoughts and Score
This is good, every bit as good as the New Riff Rye I enjoy so much and beyond my liking, they have a lot in common. Both are craft distilleries, both show that craft doesn’t have to mean crap and both pay insane attention to the details. Which why their stuff is consistently so good.
Frey Rye is not super heavily oaked, which I enjoy in a rye, but that’s a good thing here. The oak taking a bit more of a backseat allows all of the sweet and earthy notes to shine and expand. Having the oak be a bit less prominent, in this case, ends up creating a whiskey that takes you on more of a sensory experience.
As you probably already know, the bourbon was good, but honestly, this takes the cake for me. It’s balanced, it’s complex, it’s approachable, the Frey Ranch Rye Bottled-In-Bond is a heck of a rye whiskey. If they keep putting out whiskey like this, they’re going to be a serious force in the market. Add them to your list of craft distillers to keep an eye on.
SCORE: 4/5 (good, definitely recommend ~ B+ | 87-89)
*Disclosure: The sample for this rye review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Frey Ranch Rye Bottled-In-Bond Review $55
Overall
4- Nose (4)
- Palate (4)
- Finish (4)
- BBF (4)
