Berlin’s Craft Spirits Scene, Meet Your Newest Obsession: Five Judges Gin from Texas
Berliners pride themselves on taste—especially when it comes to quality spirits crafted with soul. And now, from the rolling hills of Texas Hill Country, a small-batch gin is making serious global noise: Five Judges Gin by Dietz Distillery just earned a prestigious Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), beating out some of the biggest names in the business. For Berlin’s discerning drinkers—from Neukölln to Prenzlauer Berg—this underdog win is your cue to explore a gin that’s built on heritage, heart, and honest craftsmanship.
A Global Win With Texas Roots
Nestled in Fredericksburg, Texas, Dietz Distillery doesn’t mass-produce. Instead, it distills small-batch gin with purpose and patience.
Its flagship Five Judges Gin is a juniper-forward, London dry-style expression that honors traditional techniques while adding a Lone Star twist: bright citrus from the Rio Grande Valley. The result? A botanical profile that’s clean, crisp, and full of character—perfect for Berlin’s ever-evolving cocktail culture.
“WE’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN HONORING TRADITION WHILE CAPTURING THE BOLD SPIRIT OF TEXAS,”
DIETZ FISCHEROWNER 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.”
What’s in a Name? Legacy, Leadership, and Storytelling
Five Judges isn’t a flashy brand gimmick—it’s a tribute to community heritage. The gin is named after five respected judges—J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard—who once lived and served on the very land where the distillery now operates.
Berlin’s spirits community values authenticity, and this bottle delivers. It’s not just gin—it’s a story in every pour, rooted in civic pride and generational legacy.
From the Heart of Texas to the Precision of Austria
Dietz Fischer, the distillery’s founder and master distiller, trained under Austrian distillation legend Markus Wieser. That European precision comes through in every sip. Combined with Texas terroir and local agriculture, the result is a gin that blends Old World technique with New World boldness.
The distillery sits on the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead, a historic property also known for its gourmet food production. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the family behind Dietz is also responsible for a successful line of specialty sauces, jams, and wine jellies—many of which are already exported to European markets.
Not Just Gin: A Distillery Worth Watching
Since opening in 2021, Dietz Distillery has quickly built a name for itself not only through gin, but also via a growing portfolio of fruit brandies (schnaps-style) made from locally grown peaches, pears, and plums. For Berlin’s obstbrand fans and craft spirit hunters, this development is especially exciting.
Whether you’re a gin purist or someone always on the lookout for the next hidden gem from Texas to Tempelhof, this is a distillery to keep on your radar.
Where to Find It (Hint: Book a Flight or Join the Waitlist)
Right now, Five Judges Gin is only available at the distillery in Fredericksburg, Texas. There, visitors can tour the facility, enjoy guided tastings, and immerse themselves in the food-and-drink culture of Texas wine country.
While international distribution is limited, the global attention from the SFWSC is likely to change that soon. For Berliners, this means two things:
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Expect to see bottles arriving in premium bottle shops and cocktail bars (think Beavis Bar, Schnapsstodl, or Drayton Bar) within the next 12–18 months.
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Get ahead of the trend by requesting a sample through specialty importers—or planning a spirits-focused trip to Texas.
Final Sip: A Global Award for Local Craft
The Silver Medal at the SFWSC isn’t just a win for Dietz Distillery. It’s a triumph for craftsmanship, for stories that matter, and for every small-batch maker pushing boundaries with integrity.
For Berliners tired of the same big-brand bottles, Five Judges Gin offers a meaningful alternative. It’s gin made with care, distilled with legacy, and destined to become a conversation starter in Europe’s most thoughtful spirits circles.
Raise your glass, Berlin. There’s a new gin in town—and it’s worth chasing.
