Big spirits beware—there’s a new name making noise on the global stage, and it hails from deep in the heart of Texas. Five Judges Gin, a small-batch stunner from Dietz Distillery, just clinched a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)—beating out goliaths of the industry with nothing more than passion, precision, and a copper still. For discerning gin drinkers in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow, this isn’t just a story about a surprise winner—it’s a call to rethink what craft really means. Bold, clean, and rooted in both Texas terroir and Austrian technique, Five Judges Gin is turning heads from Texas to Sheffield, one juniper-forward pour at a time.
The Small Texas Distillery Making a Global Splash
In a world of mass-market spirits, Dietz Distillery stands apart. Nestled in Fredericksburg, Texas, the brand has done what most can’t—produce a London dry-style gin with both international pedigree and heartfelt storytelling.
“We’ve always believed in honoring tradition while capturing the bold spirit of Texas,”
says Dietz Fischer, Owner and Distiller at Dietz Distillery.
“To see our Five Judges Gin recognized on a global stage is a tremendous honor. This award affirms our commitment to slow, intentional distilling and to producing something truly special right here in Fredericksburg.”
The result? A gin that balances juniper’s classic backbone with a citrusy zing courtesy of the Rio Grande Valley—a vibrant Texan twist on an old-world formula.
What’s in a Name? Legacy, Craft, and Civic Pride
Unlike many modern spirits brands, the story behind Five Judges Gin runs deeper than branding. It’s named after five real-life judges who once lived on the Wieser family farm—the very site where the distillery now operates.
- J.B. Wieser
- Jarvis Wieser
- Mark Wieser
- M.A. Dooley
- Julius Schuchard
These men helped shape their local community, and now their names appear on bottles designed to honor that sense of stewardship and integrity. For UK buyers—from collectors in Leeds to bartenders in Liverpool—this is not just a gin, it’s a story in a glass.
From Austrian Mastery to Texan Soil
Founder Dietz Fischer trained under renowned Austrian distiller Markus Wieser, bringing European finesse to his Texan craft. The distillery shares land with the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead, known globally for its gourmet sauces and wine jellies—a hint at the depth of culinary care behind every bottle of gin.
This cross-cultural influence creates a spirit that’s both precise and rustic, perfect for upscale UK bars and gin enthusiasts alike. The gin’s flavour profile leans classic but clean:
- Nose: Bright citrus, dry herbs
- Palate: Juniper-led, crisp and mineral
- Finish: Subtle warmth, with lingering zest
It’s a beautiful base for a dry martini, a standout in a G&T, or a conversation piece in any curated bar cart from Edinburgh to Notting Hill.
Beyond Gin: A Distillery Rooted in Community and Craft
Since launching in 2021, Dietz Distillery has expanded its offerings to include fruit brandies—using local Texas peaches, pears, and plums. Like its flagship gin, each product is an expression of place, made slowly and deliberately.
For urban gin fans in Manchester or weekenders in Birmingham, this is exactly the kind of artisanal brand rising in relevance. Consumers want spirits that align with sustainability, storytelling, and quality, and Dietz delivers on all fronts.
Where to Find Five Judges Gin—and Why It Matters
Currently, Five Judges Gin is available only at the distillery in Texas, where visitors can tour, taste, and sip straight from the still. But with global demand rising post-SFWSC, don’t be surprised if this gin starts showing up in high-end UK retailers or curated import lists.
As UK consumers become more adventurous—and more conscious of where their drinks come from—this bottle represents a new benchmark: small-batch authenticity that outclasses bigger brands.
Final Pour: A Silver Medal with Golden Intentions
The Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition isn’t just a trophy—it’s a testament to what’s possible when passion meets precision. For UK gin lovers tired of bloated branding and looking for depth, heritage, and craftsmanship, Five Judges Gin is your next obsession.
So here’s the takeaway: next time you’re shopping for spirits, skip the usual suspects. The most compelling pour might just be a farm-born, copper-stilled Texan gin with a European soul.
