Texas Hill Country Gin Earns Global Recognition: Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin Wins Silver at San Francisco World Spirits Competition
In a moment of well-deserved recognition for one of Texas Hill Country’s rising stars, Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin has been awarded a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Known for its rigor and prestige, the SFWSC is one of the most respected and influential spirits competitions in the world. For a small-batch gin handcrafted in Fredericksburg, Texas, to place among the world’s best is no small feat—and a testament to the quiet excellence happening in this corner of the Lone Star State.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Five Judges Gin is a juniper-forward, London dry-style gin made using traditional old-world distillation methods. What sets it apart is its uniquely Texan character, derived in part from bright citrus sourced from the Rio Grande Valley, which lends a fresh, sunny note that balances the herbaceous backbone of the spirit.
“We’ve always believed in honoring tradition while capturing the bold spirit of Texas,”
Dietz Fischer
owner and distiller
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.”
Indeed, the gin tells a deeper story beyond its ingredients. The name Five Judges is a heartfelt tribute to the land and legacy of the Wieser family farm, where the distillery is located. Over the past century, the farm has been home to five individuals who helped shape the region’s legal and civic identity: J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard. Their roles as local and regional judges now echo through the name of a spirit that continues their legacy of distinction.
Dietz Distillery operates out of the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead, a picturesque property steeped in heritage and just outside the historic center of Fredericksburg. The distillery was founded in 2021 by Dietz Fischer, who grew up deeply embedded in the region’s food culture through his family’s specialty foods company. Trained under Austrian master distiller Markus Wieser, Fischer brings European technique to Texas terroir, marrying time-honored practices with bold local flavor.
While Five Judges Gin was the distillery’s debut product, it has since expanded its offerings to include a range of premium spirits, from fruit brandies made with farm-grown peaches, pears, and plums to other innovative small-batch distillations that reflect the Hill Country’s agricultural richness. Every bottle is a product of craftsmanship, patience, and a clear vision rooted in both legacy and innovation.
The Silver Medal from the SFWSC isn’t just a nod to quality—it’s an affirmation that the quiet, methodical work of artisan producers like Dietz Distillery is being noticed on the world stage. It marks a milestone not just for the distillery, but for the broader Texas craft spirits movement.
For those eager to experience Five Judges Gin firsthand, the spirit is available exclusively at the distillery’s tasting room in Fredericksburg. Visitors are invited to tour the distillery, enjoy curated tastings, and take in the serene beauty of the Texas Hill Country—where tradition meets innovation in every glass.
Whether you’re a gin connoisseur or simply looking to discover something new, Five Judges Gin offers a rare combination of craftsmanship, story, and place—and now, a silver stamp of approval from one of the most prestigious competitions in the world
