As cofounder of Frey Ranch Distillery, Ashley Frey – one half of the Frey Ranch husband & wife team behind their ground-to-glass "whiskey farm" - is one of many women who've built a career in an industry where the "fairer sex" comprises the fastest growing segment of the whiskey-consuming public. The consummate working mom and whiskey woman, Ashley joins the legion of ladies blazing a trail in America's Native Spirit – bourbon – and its spicier cousin rye. Celebrating the many achievements of women who make, market and drink American Whiskey, Frey Ranch Distillery today announced a 360-degree Women + Whiskey marketing campaign running from Women's History Month through Mother's Day.
Historically, women have always played a prominent role in whiskey-making – albeit behind-the-scenes. Today, women are at the forefront of moving the business in new, exciting, and more inclusive directions. Recent data (according to MRI 2020) indicates that around 40 percent of American Whiskey drinkers are women, while a growing number of female distillers, blenders, owners, founders, and bartenders are changing the face of America's native spirit.
Interestingly, women have more nuanced senses of smell than men – useful when nosing and tasting a whiskey. In fact, scientific estimates indicate that 35 percent of women qualify as "supertasters" – meaning a person who has more taste buds and receptors resulting in tasting certain flavors and foods more strongly than other people.
Timed to coincide with International Women's Day, Ashley will moderate a panel discussion with her whiskey peers, including award-winning writer and podcast host Prairie Rose from Bit By A Fox, Shaylyn Gammon, newly-appointed Whiskey Director at Blue Run Spirits (www.bluerunspirits.com) and award-winning craft cocktail bartender Mimi Burnham, via Frey Ranch Distillery's (@FreyRanchDistillery) Instagram Live from 4:00 – 4:30pm ET on March 8th dedicated to the power of mentorship.
Additionally, Frey Ranch will turn over its social channels @FreyRanchDistillery to spotlight the many incredible women behind the bar – without who the 21st century cocktail revolution would not be possible. Ashley will also visit San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Las Vegas to host tasting events and pop ups for both the whiskey curious and the connoisseur.
"We believe whiskey is a communal experience, which is why we welcome all whiskey drinkers to join our celebration of Women + Whiskey where we honor the meaningful contributions of women from all facets of the business," said Ashley Frey, cofounder of Frey Ranch Distillery. "In that spirit, we're proud to donate $1 from every bottle of Frey Ranch Bourbon sold at participating retailers to Pinocchio's Moms on the Run – an organization close to my heart that provides financial and emotional support for women battling breast cancer."
To honor the whiskey woman in your life, cheers her with a delicious and refreshing Blackberry Smash.
Muddle lime, blackberries, and mint together. Stir in Frey Ranch Bourbon + simple syrup. Top with club soda, garnish with mint leaves, blackberries, and serve over crushed ice.
2 Fresh Lime Wedges Squeezed
8 Fresh Blackberries
5 Large Mint Leaves
2 Ounces of Frey Ranch Bourbon
½ Ounce of Simple Syrup
1 Ounce Club Soda
To learn more about Frey Ranch Distillery, visit freyranch.com and follow Frey Ranch Distillery on social media.