While the farm-to-table movement is thriving in restaurants and home kitchens across the country, Frey Ranch Distillery of Fallon, Nevada, is turning the attention to what’s in our collective cocktail glasses with the debut of its inaugural Farm-to-Glass month. Throughout the month of April, Frey Ranch will partner with bars, restaurants, and retail locations in select markets to feature farm-fresh cocktails – which will kick off in early April with a regional bartender competition.
“Just as consumers want transparency on their plate, they’re becoming more discerning about what’s in their glass. At Frey Ranch, we believe it’s time to translate everything that consumers love about the farm-to-table movement in the food sector to the whiskey industry– and what better way to do that than by tapping the most creative people in the drinks business…bartenders,” said Frey Ranch co-founder Ashley Frey.
In partnership with edible Magazines, Frey Ranch will challenge bartenders from Reno, NV, Sacramento, CA, Marin & Wine Country, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Dallas, TX, San Diego, CA, and Phoenix, AZ with creating a farm fresh cocktail featuring Frey Ranch Four Grain Straight Bourbon and fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. Judges for each regional edible magazine will select one (1) winning bartender per market, who will receive $1,000 and a profile in their respective edible magazine edition. Judging by the edible magazine panel of experts will be based on the following criteria: cocktail name, visual presentation, balance, flavor, aroma & character, and, most importantly, the use of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
From April 1 through May 31, participating retail locations will prominently feature Frey Ranch point-of-sale containing a QR code that allows consumers to enter for a chance to win a trip to Frey Ranch. One lucky legal drinking age whiskey lover will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the farm + distillery in Fallon, Nevada for them and a guest to tour the Ranch and drink farm fresh cocktails with co-founders and whiskey farmers Colby & Ashley Frey.
As a fifth generation farmer himself, Frey Ranch co-founder Colby Frey and his wife and co-founder Ashley champion the use of high-quality, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, which in turn supports small businesses and local farmers. Growing 100 percent of the grains used to create its award-winning portfolio of bourbons, ryes and specialty whiskeys, Frey Ranch oversees all aspects of its production to make the highest quality whiskeys that spotlight each grain.
The at-home cocktail enthusiast may try their hand at one of Frey Ranch’s favorite farm fresh cocktails:
Harvester’s Blackberry Smash
2 oz. Frey Ranch Bourbon
Fresh Lime Wedges Squeezed
8 Fresh Blackberries
Large Mint Leaves
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
1 oz. Club Soda
Muddle lime, blackberries, and mint together. Stir in Frey Ranch Bourbon and simple syrup. Top with club soda, garnish with mint leaves, blackberries, and serve over crushed ice.