On this week's episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads back to Houston to sit down with Master Distiller Julian Giraldo and Brand Manager Mike Cosby of Giant Texas Distillers.
Julian isn't just any guest—he was the very first to appear on the show—so it was only fitting to bring him back to share another round of stories and pours.
We start with Giant Texas' standard 90-proof expression, then move into the University of Houston Cougars commemorative bottling with notes of kettle corn, toasted sugar, and just the right amount of spice. From there, the lineup takes off:
• A five-year-old honey infused bourbon at 105.7 proof, crafted through a unique process of resting honey in a wet bourbon barrel for six months before finishing the whiskey for another eight.
• A maple infused rye whiskey at 118 proof, aged in an empty maple rye whiskey barrel from Seldom Seen Farm, marrying decadent maple character with rye spice.
• And finally, a Texas brandy made from Orange Muscat and Trebbiano grapes from the Panhandle, aged seven years in a toasted barrel and bottled at 117.3 proof—a perfect palate cleanser with notes of toasted marshmallow and bright citrus.
Along the way, Julian and Mike share stories of traveling together, building a community of whiskey lovers, and carrying forward the true meaning of Tejas—"friendship." Julian also offers a sneak peek at a future American Single Malt, showcasing the distillery's range and diversity.
This episode is a perfect mix of tradition, innovation, and Texas pride—just like Giant Texas itself.
So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and come along for the ride on this stop of The Whiskey Trip.
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