A tiny Texas distillery just made a massive statement on the world stage. Dietz Distillery’s handcrafted Five Judges Gin, rooted in history and distilled with heart, just took home a Silver Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)—and Bay Area gin lovers should be taking notes.
San Francisco, Meet the Texas Gin That’s Turning Heads
While most San Francisco liquor shelves are lined with imports and industry heavyweights, a new contender is quietly climbing the ranks. Dietz Distillery, a small but mighty operation from Fredericksburg, Texas, has just earned a Silver Medal at the SFWSC—one of the most respected global awards in the spirits world—for its Five Judges Gin.
For local gin lovers in neighborhoods from Noe Valley to Napa, this should spark more than curiosity. This win signals the arrival of a craft gin that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious—and that deserves a place in your next Negroni or garden party G&T.
“WE’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN HONORING TRADITION WHILE CAPTURING THE BOLD SPIRIT OF TEXAS,”
Dietz Fischerowner 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.”
A Juniper-Forward Spirit With Texan Soul
At its core, Five Judges Gin is a London dry-style gin—meaning it’s all about clean, bold botanicals. But what makes it stand out is a distinctly Texan twist: zesty citrus from the Rio Grande Valley adds a bright pop that balances the herbaceous backbone.
Tasting Notes:
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Nose: Bold juniper with fresh citrus
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Palate: Crisp, herbal, slightly peppery
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Finish: Smooth, dry, with a sunlit citrus tail
This is a gin built for craft cocktails, but complex enough to enjoy over ice with a twist. In a cocktail city like San Francisco, where bartenders pride themselves on nuance and sourcing, this is the kind of under-the-radar pour that earns respect.
The Story Behind the Bottle: History Distilled
The name “Five Judges” isn’t a marketing ploy—it’s a deep tribute to local history. The gin is named after five regional judges who lived on the Wieser family farm, the site where the distillery now operates. Their names—J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard—are etched into the land and legacy.
That same farm is home to the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead, also known for gourmet jams, sauces, and wine jellies—a staple of Texas food culture. This is a spirit born of generations, where culinary tradition meets modern distilling.
Austrian Craft, Texas Grit—Perfect for California Palates
Distiller Dietz Fischer trained under Austrian master distiller Markus Wieser, blending European technique with Texas terroir. That hybrid approach—precise yet rustic, old-world yet boldly new—is exactly what gives Five Judges Gin its signature style.
And for San Franciscans used to artisan spirits with layered stories (think St. George, Junipero, or OsCo), this Texan newcomer fits seamlessly into the city’s craft-first drinking culture.
More Than Gin: Dietz Distillery Is Just Getting Started
Founded in 2021, Dietz Distillery may be young, but it’s already expanding its portfolio with fruit brandies made from locally grown peaches, plums, and pears. Like their gin, these small-batch spirits are designed with care, and rooted in community, agriculture, and artistry.
For Bay Area consumers who value local sourcing, small-batch processes, and transparent production, this is a distillery to watch.
How to Get Your Hands on Five Judges Gin
Currently, Five Judges Gin is only available at the distillery in Fredericksburg, Texas, where visitors can book tastings and enjoy tours among the rolling hills of wine country. But with rising demand following their SFWSC win, wider distribution is likely on the horizon.
San Francisco spirits buyers—especially those at craft-forward retailers or bespoke cocktail bars—should keep an eye out. This is the kind of gin that will eventually appear on curated backbars and at gin-focused events like SF’s Gin Jubilee or Spirits of the Americas.
Final Sip: A Small-Batch Victory Worth Celebrating
In an industry saturated by mega-brands and marketing fluff, Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin stands out as a spirit with soul, structure, and a story worth toasting. For gin lovers in San Francisco, this is more than a trending bottle—it’s a reminder that greatness can come from the most unexpected corners.
So when you raise your next glass, consider reaching for something that honors the past, supports the land, and just quietly beat the giants.
