This Small-Batch Texas Gin, Dietz Distillery, Just Beat Global Giants—And Chicago’s Spirits Lovers Should Take Note
Chicago, raise your glass. While the big-name brands might dominate your liquor store aisles from Naperville to Rockford, a quiet revolution in gin is unfolding deep in the heart of Texas—and it just earned international applause. Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin, a handcrafted gem from Fredericksburg, Texas, has been awarded a coveted Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most prestigious spirits contests on the globe.
And here’s why that should matter to you—especially if you care about what’s in your glass.
Gin, Legacy, and the Lone Star Way
Nestled in Texas Hill Country, Dietz Distillery is doing something most larger operations can’t: distilling spirits with real soul. The award-winning Five Judges Gin is juniper-forward, London dry-style, and made the old-school way—slow, deliberate, and honest. But what makes it shine is the subtle Texan twist: citrus from the Rio Grande Valley adds a sun-bright zing that balances its bold, herbaceous core.
“We’ve always believed in honoring tradition while capturing the bold spirit of Texas,”
says Dietz Fischer, Owner and Distiller of 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 Spirit With a Story—And a Name That Matters
The name Five Judges isn’t a marketing gimmick—it’s a heartfelt homage to history. The gin is named for five individuals who served as local and regional judges, all of whom once lived on the Wieser family farm, where the distillery now operates. Their names—J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard—reflect a century of civic leadership and regional pride.
It’s not just gin—it’s generational storytelling in a bottle.
From Texas Roots to Austrian Craft
Dietz Fischer, the man behind the medal, trained under Austrian master distiller Markus Wieser and brings a precision honed abroad to the wild richness of Texas. The distillery is located at the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead, a picturesque property known for its connection to Texas food culture. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the Fischer family is also behind a successful specialty foods company known for gourmet sauces, jams, and wine jellies.
So when you sip Five Judges Gin, you’re tasting a product built on culinary heritage, European expertise, and Hill Country terroir.
More Than Gin: A Distillery on the Rise
Since launching in 2021, Dietz Distillery has expanded beyond gin into small-batch fruit brandies, often made with locally grown peaches, pears, and plums. Each bottle reflects a commitment to agriculture, craft, and community—a trio of values that feel right at home in the Midwest.
For those in Aurora, Joliet, or even along the North Shore, the SFWSC medal is more than a distant headline—it’s a reminder that excellence doesn’t have to come from a big brand or fancy ad campaign. It can come from a family farm, a copper still, and a dream.
How to Get It (and Why You’ll Want To)
Currently, Five Judges Gin is available exclusively at the distillery in Fredericksburg, Texas, where visitors can take tours, enjoy guided tastings, and experience the serene, hilly beauty of Texas wine country. While distribution is limited for now, demand is rising—and given its recent global recognition, don’t be surprised if this gin starts appearing in premium bars and curated bottle shops in Chicago and its suburbs sooner rather than later.
If you’re a gin aficionado or a spirits explorer looking for something with true character, this is your moment. Forget gimmicks and chase trends—Five Judges Gin is what happens when history, heart, and craftsmanship collide.
Final Pour
The Silver Medal at the SFWSC isn’t just a win for Dietz Distillery—it’s a win for every small-batch maker doing things the right way. And for discerning drinkers across Chicagoland, it’s an invitation to think beyond the usual shelf and taste something extraordinary.
