I don’t make it a habit of reviewing vodka and gin here on this site.  After all, the site’s called “Adventures In Whiskey.”  However, I think it’s a good idea to throw in an unaged spirit every now and then.  As I was coming up with that thought, the folks at Reno’s Frey Ranch reached out to see if I’d be interested in trying their vodka and gin.  Perfect timing.

Opened in 2010, Frey Ranch is a fairly new distillery, though it’s Nevada’s oldest legal distillery.  Right now they offer a vodka, absinthe, gin and a new barrel-aged gin.  While they do distill whiskey, it’s still aging and should be available shortly.

Since I don’t drink a lot of vodka or gin, I won’t be scoring these.  Instead, I’ll only provide some tasting notes.

The vodka is made from corn, wheat, rye and barley – all grown on the estate.  It’s distilled to 196 proof and bottled at 80 proof.  The nose features a bit of rubbing alcohol at first, easing into very feint grain and grain notes.  The palate is on the sweeter side, with light grain, vanilla and floral notes.  The finish is pretty short.  Overall, it’s one of the more pleasant vodkas I’ve had.  It’s not rough-around-the-edges like so many, and leans slightly on the sweet floral side of things.

Frey Ranch’s gin is distilled from grains grown on the estate.  It’s flavored with juniper berries and sagebrush also sourced from the ranch, along with other botanicals.  This one’s bottled at 90 proof.  The nose is very herbal and medicinal, with a touch of perfume. The juniper berries really come through, but don’t dominate.  The sagebrush is also a big contributor here.  Taste-wise, this gin is spicy and herbal, with juniper berries, white pepper, anise and spearmint.  The finish is rather refreshing and minty.

Though I still prefer my spirits to sleep in barrels, these offerings from Frey Ranch are nice.  I can’t wait to see how their whiskey turns out.

freyranch.com

Thanks to Frey Ranch for the samples.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.