Giant Texas
Liked
Ambiance, service, flight options, the views from the tasting room
Lacked
Kid-friendly options or entertainment (leave the kids at home)
Loved
The space to sit and have a great experience - no pressure to leave or order more until you're ready
Born in Texas, raised in Houston
Collaborations are a great way to raise awareness and draw in new customers, and that's exactly how we first found out about Giant Texas. We had seen various Prideful Goat offerings at local stores, and when we heard that a special bottle was being released at a Houston distillery we jumped at the opportunity to grab one first-hand.
If you don't recognize the name "Giant Texas" it may be because they went by "Gulf Coast Distillers" until 2022 (in fact, we're writing this on their Wi-Fi that includes the old name as part of the password!). Carlos de Aldecoa - the founder of the distillery - first opened this family business in the old Uncle Ben's rice plant back in 1998. Through the years they evolved their offerings from coffee to include spirits, and we encourage you to hear the story from the family or at least check it out for yourself on their website because it's a testament to what long-term vision, grit, and adaptability can create.
Uncle Ben's opened in the 1940s to supply rice for soldiers during WW2, giving the location historical significance that Giant Texas has preserved as much as possible with the original architecture of their facilities and tasting room. Take time to let the age of the place sink in while enjoying the modern TVs and blissfully cool air conditioning.
First Impressions
The distillery is nestled between warehouses east of downtown, and the first time visiting we almost missed the turn-in. For the Prideful Goat release we ended up in the ample overflow parking lot right next to the entrance, and we waited in a healthy line to secure our bottle. After an initial reservation check we walked through part of the distillery, up some stairs, and into a beautiful tasting room. High ceilings, plenty of picnic table seating, and a great looking bar. We were hooked.
The Prideful Goat release was big, and the staff was working hard to keep up with the influx of visitors. That meant that there was some confusion on what the special menu included and how the heck to get food - things that we understand and empathize with. We grabbed a table and didn't move for about four hours. Flights came with tasting cards, a great way to anchor yourself on what you're trying without forcing you to agree with the notes. Over several shared flights and food orders we found ourselves at our limit and needing to shepherd our most enthusiastic drinker back down the stairs, where we argued over how many used barrels (which they have for sale) could fit into our sedan. We settled on zero - maybe next time.
The Cask Strength release in September 2022 was less hectic, and the warmness of the staff shined. We were able to catch Master Distiller Julian Giraldo who was kind enough to sign our bottle and talk to each group at length. We have some insights from Julian below. We spent our time at the copper-top bar to be closer to the action, getting recommendations on food and cocktails from the staff and other patrons. It was much more relaxed than our previous visit, with college football on the TVs and people trickling in and out over the hours we were there.
Lasting Memories
After our first visit we remembered more of the fun we had and less of the distillery itself. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - Giant Texas enabled us to have a great time without bombarding us with gimmicks or pushing more drinks on us (or pushing us down the stairs and out the door).
By contrast, we were lucky enough to be at the bar with Julian Giraldo and a small group of other patrons on our September visit. Julian readily shared his thoughts on tasting whiskeys from his role as Head Distiller. Per Julian, "...with water the flavors spread out and it becomes easier to distinguish them. 95 proof, 100 proof... that's the perfect proof [for me in a tasting]. I reset my nose, smell some coffee or something, and then I go back. It's a process." Wise words.
Julian also talked about the importance of expressing what you smell and taste, and not just repeating what others say. Tasting is a personalized experience, and it is up to you to decide what you taste and how much you enjoy it.
Likewise, the experience you have visiting a distillery is your own. We have had a consistently great experience at Giant Texas, and we encourage you to visit and see for yourself what it is all about.
Summary
Giant Texas is an excellent distillery to visit, especially during the summer when being outside is miserable. Bottle releases give you exposure to the hype that a distillery can generate, and Giant Texas manages it well. We will make time for future visits because we always walk away with a memorable and unique experience.
As with all Texas distilleries there is a four* bottle limit over 30 days - choose your bottles wisely!
*bottle limits for Texas changed on September 1st, 2023 due to S.B. No. 2284.
Our Stats
First Visit: March 2022
Visit Count: 8
Tours Taken: 1
Spirits Sampled: 23
Favorite Spirit: Texas Brandy (Rum Finish)
