NCET Tech Wed: A modern approach to farming and distilling at Frey Ranch

by Dave Archer

With more than 165 years of generational farming and distilling expertise, Frey Ranch Distillery blends its rich history with modern techniques to produce world-class whiskey products.

By using diverse methods, Frey Ranch ensures the production of high-quality grain while simultaneously increasing labor, time, and equipment efficiency.

Located in the heart of the Lake Tahoe Watershed, Frey Ranch sources its water from the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District. The flow from the Carson and Truckee River provides life to the farm as the water gates open.

With conservation in mind, Frey Ranch uses computer and laser programs to change the slopes and direction of the fields to prevent flooding. Tractors are equipped with GPS guided leveling systems to get exact elevations of the field and can also steer themselves.

CEO and co-founder, Colby Frey, and his wife and co-founder, Ashley, like to emphasize the importance of applying modern technologies to time-honored traditions to be more environmentally efficient.

“We don’t do it because it’s trendy,” Ashley Frey said. “We do it because it’s the right thing to do for the land, and it’s the most efficient thing to do to highlight the grains that we grow on the farm.”

As the distilling process starts when the grain is planted, Frey Ranch uses aerial maps to show troubled areas and frequently tests plant and soil health for deficiencies. If plant tissues appear low in phosphorus, nitrogen, or calcium, then fertilizer will be adjusted accordingly.

“Aerial maps use infrared satellite images, and they’ll actually tell you your crop densities so you can actually see where the plants are growing thicker,” Colby Frey said.

Covering every angle of production, Frey Ranch uses steam generators rather than boilers in their distillation process. The generators require less time to fire up, which means less water and energy use. Working in unison together, the generators function at different horsepower based on percentages to conserve energy and water resources further.

In addition, continuous stills are used to strip everything before re-distilling it in a pot still—this greatly enhancing the quality of the spirit. Once the spirit is barreled and set to rest, the humidification systems in the barrel warehouses will atomize water molecules, so there’s no condensation. 

Using an advanced computer system called Distilled 5 X 5, distillers can focus on the craft, not the busywork.

“We’re able to put in all this data, and it tracks our barrels,” Ashley Frey said “It tracks our mash, it tracks our gallons, and it allows us to be super-efficient.”

Focused on keeping the human factor of distilling, Ashley emphasized how the system helps with inventory. Instead of having file cabinets packed to the brim with paper documents, the distillery can easily track how much of each grain is being used.

“But this technology doesn’t take away from the human factor, which is a craft,” Ashley Frey said. “We really wanted to retain that. But it does help us be more efficient in our outputs.”

One of the most critical pieces of technology at Frey Ranch is one almost everyone is familiar with: the smartphone. With technology that steers and drives the tractors, Colby Frey can use his time in the fields to multitask.

“I can go on the tractor and check my emails now,” he said. “I’ve taken Zoom calls from the tractor before.”

Take a virtual tour of Frey Ranch during NCET’s Tech Wednesday virtual networking event from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. and its live streaming event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2020.  To taste along, pick up a bottle of Frey Ranch’s newly released Straight Bourbon Whiskey. For more information, visit www.NCETwed.org

Dave Archer is president/CEO of NCET, which produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology. (www.NCET.org)