A new whiskey from Frey Ranch Farmers & Distillers in Fallon, Nevada, is being released with a high proof of 123.4, which may intimidate some whiskey drinkers. However, the relationship between proof and quality is not straightforward, according to spirits expert Derek Brown and the distillery's owners.
The Third Harvest whiskey is aged in oak barrels for five to eight years and contains a blend of corn, rye, malted barley, wheat, and triticale. Frey Ranch grows 100% of its grains on-site, with the sole purpose of using them to make whiskey. This is a rare practice in the industry, according to Colby Frey, co-founder and owner of the distillery.
Derek Brown, a hospitality consulting and events company expert, notes that there are many whiskies that are barrel strength, and that a high-proof spirit can have more complex flavors from the barrels it's aged in, rather than an overpowering alcohol flavor. However, he also warns that a high-proof spirit can be too much if the other flavors are not present.
The Freys acknowledge that their whiskey has a high proof, but they emphasize that the number does not tell the whole story. They taste their whiskey at various proofs and choose the one that best showcases the flavor profiles of their grain. This batch is intended for those with refined palates who can appreciate the complex flavors.
Only about 700 bottles of this specific batch will be made, priced at $299 each.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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