Military Bourbon Review: Giant Texas Cask Strength Wheated

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History – The saga of the Aldecoa family’s coffee and spirits empire spans continents and generations, a tale of resilience, entrepreneurship, and adaptability.

It all began in the 1920s when Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno’s grandfather, Carlos de Aldecoa Fernandez, planted the seeds of their family legacy in Madrid, Spain. The fledgling coffee business flourished until the eruption of the Spanish Civil War, which forced the family to abandon their homeland and seek refuge in the verdant lands of Veracruz, Mexico. There, amidst the fertile soils, they transplanted their enterprise, nurturing it through the turmoil of war and displacement.

In the 1930s, the Aldecoa family laid down roots in Mexico, expanding their operations to include coffee farms, roasting facilities, retail outlets, and even delving into the nuanced art of decaffeination. The patriarch’s son, Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda, was born into this world of coffee, inheriting not just a name but a passion for the trade.

By 1963, Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda had assumed the reins of the family business, spearheading its growth and diversification. Recognizing the need for expansion, he steered the company into new horizons, expanding its footprint across Mexico.

However, the winds of change blew once again in 1985 when the exigencies of growth prompted Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda to transplant the family business to Houston, Texas. It was here, in the heart of the Lone Star State, that the Aldecoa family planted new roots, embracing the spirit of enterprise 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 empire. A year later, fresh from his studies at the University of Houston, Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno and his family breathed new life into a shuttered rice manufacturing plant, christening it CADECO Industries.

The dawn of the new millennium saw the Aldecoa family’s ambitions soar to greater heights. In 2009, they unveiled Café Diario, a testament to their commitment to satisfying the discerning palates of the Texas coffee market.

But it was in 2014 that the Aldecoa family embarked on their boldest venture yet. Inspired by a vision to diversify their offerings, Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno, now dubbed “The Coffee King,” set his sights on the world of distilled spirits. Thus, Buffalo Bayou Distilleries was born, marking the inception of a new chapter in the family saga.

Over the ensuing years, the distillery flourished under the meticulous guidance of Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno, evolving into Gulf Coast Distillers, a name synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. By 2019, the distillery had opened its doors to the public, inviting enthusiasts to partake in the artistry behind their creations.

The year 2020 brought unforeseen challenges in the form of a global pandemic. Yet, true to their indomitable spirit, Gulf Coast Distillers rose to the occasion, repurposing their facilities to manufacture hand sanitizer, a lifeline for communities grappling with the crisis.

As the years rolled on, Gulf Coast Distillers continued to innovate and grow, culminating in their rebranding as Giant Texas Distillers in 2022. Today, under the stewardship of Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno, the family’s legacy lives on, a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the realms of both coffee and spirits.

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

Nose – The aroma is dominated by the richness of corn, complemented by sweet wheat notes reminiscent of vanilla ice cream and bread pudding. Surprisingly addictive, despite the heavy corn presence.

Palate – Delightfully balanced flavors of pecan, mesquite wood, and a touch of light caramel unfold on the palate. Impressive for its medium body, especially given its youthful age statement of just two years.

Finish – While not as enticing as the nose or palate, the finish packs a punch with its 119 proof. A showcase of its cask strength, it delivers bold notes of cherry and subtle hints of milk chocolate.

Value – Exceptional value, particularly considering the proof, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking quality in a younger whiskey.

Summary – The story of the Aldecoa family’s journey through coffee and spirits is a testament to resilience, entrepreneurship, and adaptability spanning continents and generations. From their humble beginnings in Madrid, Spain, to the fertile lands of Veracruz, Mexico, and eventually to the bustling streets of Houston, Texas, each chapter of their saga is marked by ambition and innovation. Establishing their coffee empire amidst the upheaval of war, the Aldecoa family’s legacy endured and flourished, driven by a passion for excellence. With each generation, they expanded their horizons, diversifying into new ventures and territories, culminating in the birth of Buffalo Bayou Distilleries and later, Giant Texas Distillers. Despite the challenges of the modern world, including a global pandemic, the Aldecoa family remained steadfast, pivoting their operations to meet the needs of their community while continuing to craft exceptional products. Today, under the leadership of Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno, their legacy lives on, a shining example of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of excellence.

“This whiskey, boasting Texas essence from grain to glass, captivates with its bold appearance, addictive aroma, balanced palate, and powerful finish, offering exceptional value for discerning enthusiasts.“

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 6

Appearance- 1-10 – 6

Nose- 1-20 – 14

Palate- 1-20 – 11

Finish- 1-20 – 13

Value- 1-20 – 20