Military Bourbon Review: Giant Texas Cask Strength Straight

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History – The Aldecoa family’s coffee and spirits empire traverses continents and generations, a narrative rich with resilience, entrepreneurship, and adaptability. It all commenced in the 1920s, when Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno’s grandfather, Carlos de Aldecoa Fernandez, planted the seeds of their familial heritage in Madrid, Spain. The nascent coffee venture thrived until the tumultuous Spanish Civil War forced the family to depart their homeland, seeking sanctuary in the lush landscapes of Veracruz, Mexico. There, amid fertile grounds, they transplanted their enterprise, nurturing it through the upheaval of conflict and displacement.

In the 1930s, the Aldecoa family took root in Mexico, broadening their endeavors to encompass coffee plantations, roasting facilities, retail establishments, and delving into the intricate craft of decaffeination. The patriarch’s son, Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda, was born into this realm of coffee, inheriting not only a name but also a fervor for the trade.

By 1963, Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda had assumed control of the family enterprise, steering its expansion and diversification. Recognizing the imperative for growth, he navigated the company toward fresh horizons, extending its reach across Mexico.

Nevertheless, in 1985, the winds of change swept anew when the demands of expansion prompted Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda to relocate the family enterprise to Houston, Texas. There, in the heart of the Lone Star State, the Aldecoa family laid down new roots, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit that defined their lineage.

In 1997, Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda joined forces with his son, Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno, to establish Eximius Coffee LLC in Houston, serving as the sales arm for their burgeoning coffee realm. A year later, fresh from his studies at the University of Houston, Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno and his kin breathed fresh life into a dormant rice manufacturing plant, naming it CADECO Industries.

The turn of the millennium witnessed the Aldecoa family’s aspirations soar to loftier pinnacles. In 2009, they unveiled Café Diario, a testament to their dedication to catering to the refined tastes of the Texan coffee market.

Yet, it was in 2014 that the Aldecoa family embarked on their most audacious venture to date. Galvanized by a vision to broaden their offerings, Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno, now dubbed “The Coffee King,” set his sights on the realm of distilled spirits. Hence, Buffalo Bayou Distilleries came into being, marking the inception of a new chapter in the family chronicle.

Over the ensuing years, the distillery thrived under Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno’s meticulous guidance, evolving into Gulf Coast Distillers, a name synonymous with excellence and artistry. By 2019, the distillery had opened its doors to the public, inviting aficionados to partake in the craftsmanship behind their libations.

The year 2020 brought unforeseen trials in the guise of a global pandemic. Yet, true to their resilient spirit, Gulf Coast Distillers rose to the challenge, repurposing their facilities to produce hand sanitizer, a beacon of hope for communities grappling with the crisis.

As the years progressed, Gulf Coast Distillers continued to innovate and expand, culminating in their rebranding as Giant Texas Distillers in 2022. Today, under Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno’s stewardship, the family’s legacy endures, a tribute to their steadfast dedication to excellence and ingenuity in both the realms of coffee and spirits.

Appearance – This whiskey’s appearance is striking, embodying the essence of Texas from grain to glass with bold confidence.

Nose – A medley of charcoal and tobacco, intertwined with the surprising softness of port wine notes, despite its formidable proof.

Palate – A symphony of heavy corn, luscious peach, and decadent mocha, supported by a medium body attributed to its five-year aging process.

Finish – White pepper and freshly baked bread, followed by a robust punch of black licorice, a testament to its potent proof. Bravo, Giant Texas, for delivering a memorable finish that lingers for up to 20 seconds.

Value – Exceptional value awaits within each sip, making this whiskey an undeniable gem.

Summary – This whiskey presents a complex and rich experience from start to finish. The aroma is a mixture of charcoal, tobacco, and port wine notes, while the palate offers a symphony of heavy corn, peach, and mocha flavors, thanks to its five-year aging process. The finish is bold and memorable, with notes of white pepper, freshly baked bread, and black licorice, leaving a lasting impression for up to 20 seconds. Despite its formidable proof, it offers exceptional value, making it a true gem among whiskeys.

“This whiskey offers a harmonious blend of robust flavors, from luscious peach to bold black licorice, all wrapped in exceptional value.”

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 6

Appearance- 1-10 – 6

Nose- 1-20 – 14

Palate- 1-20 – 15

Finish- 1-20 – 20

Value- 1-20 – 20