Frey Ranch Distillery, nestled in the heart of Fallon, Nevada, has earned the prestigious title of "Most Awarded Distillery of the Year" at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. This farm-to-glass operation, rooted in 170 years of family farming tradition, took home an impressive 28 medals, outshining hundreds of competitors across whiskey, tequila, gin, vodka, rum, and more. With five double platinum and 16 platinum medals, Frey Ranch has cemented its place as a powerhouse in American whiskey production.
The ASCOT Awards, founded by renowned spirits expert Fred Minnick, is a global competition known for its rigorous judging by top industry palates. Frey Ranch’s haul included standout expressions like their Single Barrel Distiller’s Reserve Aged in Malbec Barrels, a contender for "Best Special Barrel-Finished Whiskey," and the limited-edition Harvester Series: Anniversary Edition (First Harvest), vying for "Best American Whiskey." These honors, announced with final taste-off results on June 6, 2025, highlight the distillery’s ability to craft exceptional spirits from grain to glass.
Colby Frey, co-founder and whiskey farmer, credits the distillery’s success to a relentless focus on quality. Alongside his wife, Ashley, he’s built Frey Ranch on the principle that great whiskey starts with great grains. “We grow every kernel we distill right here on our 2,000-acre farm,” Colby said, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability and hands-on farming. The family’s motto, “Be good to the land and the land will be good to you,” isn’t just a saying—it’s etched into every bottle they produce.
What sets Frey Ranch apart is its complete control over the whiskey-making process. Unlike many distilleries that source grains, Frey Ranch cultivates 100% of its barley, wheat, rye, and oats on-site. This dedication shone through in their double platinum winners, including Single Barrel Bourbon (Barrel No. 1406), Quad Malt, Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye, Single Barrel Distiller’s Reserve Aged in Malbec Barrels, and the Harvester Series: 10th Anniversary Edition. Their platinum medalists, like Farm Strength Uncut, 100% Barley Whiskey, 100% Wheat Whiskey, and 100% Oat Whiskey, further showcase their versatility in crafting bold, unique flavors.
Frey Ranch’s story began in 2006, when Colby, inspired by his family’s long history of growing high-quality grains, decided to turn their harvest into something timeless: whiskey. Today, it’s one of the largest whiskey producers on the West Coast and a top-selling ultra-premium bourbon brand in the U.S. Their spirits are available in 15 states, including Arizona, California, Texas, and Virginia, as well as online at shop.freyranch.com. For those eager to experience the farm firsthand, the distillery offers tours and tastings every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., giving visitors a chance to see the fields, stills, and barrels behind the award-winning whiskey.
The 2025 ASCOT Awards aren’t Frey Ranch’s first brush with acclaim. Their portfolio has consistently earned high marks, with expressions like their Straight Rye Whiskey previously nabbing a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. But this year’s dominance—27 medals total, according to their social media posts—marks a career-defining moment. “Fred Minnick’s palate is legendary,” Colby noted. “To stand out in a field of international heavyweights is something we’ll always cherish.”
For whiskey enthusiasts, Frey Ranch offers a range of bottles to explore. Their Farm Strength Uncut delivers a robust, unfiltered punch, while the 100% grain-specific whiskeys—barley, wheat, and oat—appeal to those who crave distinct, terroir-driven profiles. The Harvester Series, including the 10th Anniversary Edition, celebrates the distillery’s milestones with limited releases that sell out fast. And for collectors, the Single Barrel Distiller’s Reserve Aged in Malbec Barrels offers a rare, wine-influenced complexity that’s tough to beat.
Frey Ranch’s rise reflects a broader trend: drinkers are seeking authentic, traceable spirits. The farm-to-glass movement, which Frey Ranch helped pioneer, resonates with those who value craftsmanship over mass production. By controlling every step—planting, harvesting, distilling, and aging—Frey Ranch ensures each sip tells the story of their Nevada land. This authenticity, paired with their unmatched 2025 awards, makes Frey Ranch a must-try for anyone serious about American whiskey.
Follow their journey on Instagram (@freyranchdistillery) or Facebook (@freyranchdistillery) for updates on new releases and distillery events. Whether you’re sipping their Bottled-in-Bond Rye by the fire or sharing a pour of Single Barrel Bourbon with friends, Frey Ranch delivers a taste of Nevada’s heartland that’s as honest as it is unforgettable.
