Distillery: Frey Ranch Distillery—Fallon, NV
Proof: 121.3 (60.7% ABV)
Age: Six Years
Mashbill: 100% Frey Ranch-grown Soft White Winter Wheat
MSRP: $100
Lost Lantern Found the Sweet Spot in Estate-Grown Wheat
Lost Lantern has earned a reputation as a top independent whiskey curator that focuses on transparency and seeking out craftsmanship. Instead of blending anonymous spirits, they partner with craft distilleries and hand-pick barrels that showcase the distillery’s excellence. By providing full disclosure of the grain, proof, age, and origin, Lost Lanter lets the whiskey tell its own story without the need for hype or fluff marketing.
Their Summer 2025 lineup includes a Frey Ranch estate-grown wheat whiskey, distilled from 100% soft white winter wheat grown, fermented, distilled, and aged entirely on-site in Fallon, Nevada. Aged for six years, the whiskey was bottled at a full 121.3 proof from a single barrel which limits the release to around 230 bottles.
While wheat whiskey rarely claims the spotlight—especially at cask strength—this expression breaks through. From farmed grain to six years of desert aging, this single barrel release balances softness with strength.
Lost Lantern Estate-Grown Single Cask Series Frey Ranch Nevada Straight Wheat Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.2/5
Wildflower Honey. Caramel Cream. Chamomile. Toasted Oak.
Strengths: Clean and engaging. The lack of ethanol heat allows the character of the wheat to shine. It sets a clear sweet tone.
Why it’s not higher: The Nose stays in a narrow lane—floral and sweet without much fruit, spice, or evolution with time in the glass.
Rating justification: Inviting and attention grabbing. While it may not be overly complex, the Nose is easy to determine and very easy to enjoy.
Palate – 4/5
Strawberries. Fresh cream. Toasted Wheat. Vanilla Bean. Clove.
The first sip is silky and smooth, beginning with fresh cream and red berries, then moving toward toasted wheat grain, vanilla bean, and a light accent of clove. The high proof is fully integrated, offering texture and weight without harshness.
Strengths: Elegant, expressive, and very well balanced. The fruit and grain play well together. The wheat’s softness is enhanced—not overwhelmed—by the proof.
Why it’s not higher: It plays things a bit safe. The flavors are really well done, but it doesn’t stretch much beyond the creamy, fruity, slightly spiced profile.
Rating justification: Honestly, it’s one of the best wheat whiskey Palates I’ve come across—rich, layered, and really lets the grain shine.
Finish – 3.9/5
Toasted marshmallow. Dry Oak. White pepper. Sweet Mint.
Strengths: Soft and straightforward. You get some gentle oak, a little white pepper, and a hint of sweet mint as it fades out. Sticks around just long enough to not feel heavy or syrupy. No bitterness, no dry-out—just a clean, easy Finish.
Why it’s not higher: It’s maybe a little too polite. A second wave of flavor would have made it more memorable.
Rating justification: Not super bold, but it does the job just right.
Value – 4.3/5
Many wheat whiskeys seem rushed to market or have what feels like an identity crisis. This one doesn’t. You know exactly what it is, where it came from, how it was made, and that matters. For a six-year-old, cask-strength, single-barrel whiskey from an Estate Distillery with a true grain-to-glass pedigree, the $100 price tag feels fair.
Strengths: It’s a rare find—unblended, transparent, and expertly crafted. You’re not paying for a name—you’re paying for quality.
Why it’s not higher: It’s definitely a whiskey for a specific kind of drinker. If you’re chasing spice or sweetness at either of the upper ends of the scale, this may come across as too gentle.
Rating justification: Great alignment between the price and what’s in the bottle. It just won’t be for everyone.
Wheat whiskey, especially at cask strength, rarely commands focused attention—but this one does.
Lost Lantern Estate-Grown Single Cask Series Frey Ranch Nevada Straight Wheat Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Wheat whiskey, especially at cask strength, rarely commands focused attention—but this one does.
This expression doesn’t try to be flashy. That’s exactly why it works. It’s not chasing trends. It’s not trying to be a wheated bourbon—it’s a really well-made wheat whiskey. It’s laid-back in the best way. If you’re someone who appreciates grain-forward whiskey and you’re curious about what wheat can really offer when it’s given strong craftsmanship, time and attention, this bottle delivers. Shop here.
Verdict – 4.45/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.