Description

The boom in American craft distillation has also been echoed among Texas-based craft distillers. The U.S. now has over 2,000 licensed craft distillers, roughly 1,500 of which are currently operating. 138 of those distillers are in Texas. Among the newest Texas craft producers is Gulf States Distillers. The Houston based company produces a number of American whiskeys, one of which, Giant Texas Bourbon, recently received a Double Gold award at the San Francisco Spirits Competition.

This whiskey has a classic bourbon mash bill consisting of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. It is matured in American oak barrels with a #4 char. The color is a deep, rich, amber color with a pronounced orange-brown cast. On the nose, there is a pronounced spicy aroma, a combination of the influence of the rye in the mash bill as well as the more pronounced extraction of aromatic compounds from the cask wood. The aromas feature hints of cinnamon and allspice, along with notes of vanilla and caramel. There is a pronounced waxy aroma, along with notes of cooked fruit and even hints of peach and tropical fruit.