Move over, mass-market spirits—a small-batch Texas gin just beat out global giants, and Phoenix craft spirits fans should be paying close attention.
Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin
handcrafted in Fredericksburg, Texas, was recently awarded a prestigious Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)—a huge honor in the world of fine distilling.
With its classic London dry style, Texas-grown citrus, and a rich backstory rooted in legacy, it’s exactly the kind of thoughtful, terroir-driven spirit that resonates with Phoenix’s upscale, cocktail-loving crowd from Scottsdale to Chandler. If you love your gin bold, balanced, and deeply personal—this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
A Small-Batch Gin With a Story—and a Soul
Unlike the mass-produced bottles that crowd most liquor shelves in Phoenix, Five Judges Gin is built on authenticity. Distilled by Dietz Fischer in Texas Hill Country, the gin embraces the foundational flavors of a London dry—juniper, coriander, and angelica—but infuses them with a uniquely Texan edge thanks to bright citrus from the Rio Grande Valley.
“WE’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN HONORING TRADITION WHILE CAPTURING THE BOLD SPIRIT OF TEXAS,”
Dietz Fischer
owner and distiller of Dietz Distillery.
“TO SEE OUR FIVE JUDGES GIN RECOGNIZED ON A GLOBAL STAGE IS A TREMENDOUS HONOR.”
The result is a clean, sophisticated gin that balances traditional botanicals with regional character—a bottle that feels right at home in a Glendale gin bar or Mesa home cocktail cart.
Five Names, One Legacy: Why It’s Called “Five Judges”
This isn’t a marketing gimmick. The name Five Judges is a tribute to five local leaders who once lived on the very land where the distillery now stands. J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard all served as regional judges—and their legacy now lives on in every sip.
That kind of depth and heritage isn’t something you find in every bottle of gin—and it’s the kind of backstory Phoenix’s spirits aficionados appreciate, especially in a market that increasingly values storytelling and transparency.
From Austrian Precision to Texas Terroir
Before founding Dietz Distillery, Fischer trained under Austrian master distiller Markus Wieser, refining a methodical, European-inspired approach to distilling. Combine that with Texas-grown ingredients and the setting of the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead—home to a celebrated line of gourmet sauces and jams—and you have the perfect collision of culinary legacy and distilling excellence.
So, what’s in the bottle? A clean, juniper-forward profile softened by citrus, with subtle herbal layers and a smooth, dry finish—ideal for a classic gin and tonic, a bold Negroni, or sipping neat during a quiet Arizona sunset.
More Than Gin: A Distillery That Honors Craft and Community
Dietz Distillery launched in 2021, and already, it’s making a name not just in gin, but in a variety of small-batch fruit brandies, made with locally grown peaches, plums, and pears. Much like the Arizona distilleries in Tempe and Queen Creek that are reconnecting with agricultural roots, Dietz is putting craft and community first.
This ethos—intentionality, local sourcing, and respect for land—is what makes Five Judges Gin so compelling for Phoenix’s craft beverage scene, where farm-to-glass is no longer a trend—it’s an expectation.
Where to Find It—and Why It Won’t Stay Hidden for Long
Currently, Five Judges Gin is only available at the distillery in Fredericksburg, Texas, where visitors can take tours, sample spirits, and enjoy the beauty of Texas wine country. But with its SFWSC recognition and rising national buzz, there’s a strong chance this gin will begin appearing in boutique bottle shops and upscale bars in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Scottsdale.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on curated retailers like Trevor’s Liquor, Arcadia Premium, or Total Wine’s local craft section.
If you’re traveling through Austin or San Antonio, plan a detour to the distillery for an exclusive tasting.
Phoenix, This Is Your Next Great Gin Discovery
The SFWSC medal is more than just a win for Dietz Distillery—it’s a win for every spirits enthusiast who believes in quality over quantity, and heritage over hype. In Phoenix, where craft cocktails, upscale spirits, and local-first values continue to shape drinking culture, Five Judges Gin is a natural fit.
It’s not just another bottle. It’s a reminder that excellence often comes from small places, with big hearts—and even bigger flavor.
So go ahead, Phoenix. Sip with purpose, and pour something worth talking about.
