There’s a new spirit shaking up the Parisian cocktail scene—and it didn’t come from London or Provence.
It’s small-batch Texas gin in Paris, and it just earned a prestigious Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), turning heads from Versailles to Lille.
Crafted at Dietz Distillery in Fredericksburg, Texas, Five Judges Gin is a bold, juniper-forward London dry with a Texan twist—thanks to Rio Grande Valley citrus and a story steeped in generational pride.
As Paris continues to embrace the global craft spirits movement, this little bottle from the Lone Star State is proving that exceptional quality doesn’t always come from global giants.
For discerning drinkers and mixologists alike, Five Judges Gin isn’t just an award-winner—it’s a conversation starter. And it might just become the next must-have in your Giverny gin and tonic.
Texas Meets Tradition: Why Paris Should Care About This Distillery
In an era of polished branding and algorithmic marketing, Five Judges Gin from Dietz Distillery stands apart for its authenticity and ambition. Made in Fredericksburg, Texas—home to a rich German heritage and a booming wine culture—the gin is an ode to both legacy and land.
“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.THIS AWARD AFFIRMS OUR COMMITMENT TO SLOW, INTENTIONAL DISTILLING AND TO PRODUCING SOMETHING TRULY SPECIAL RIGHT HERE IN FREDERICKSBURG.”
What Parisian spirit lovers should note: this gin isn’t just about taste—it’s about heritage, terroir, and careful craftsmanship. It’s the kind of bottle you find behind a speakeasy bar in the Marais or on the shelf at a boutique spirits shop in Fontainebleau.
What’s in the Bottle? A Gin That Tastes as Good as It Looks
Crafted in the London dry style but layered with Texas identity, Five Judges Gin delivers a balanced, citrus-kissed profile that’s ideal for refined cocktails. At 45% ABV, it brings elegance with a backbone—suitable for a G&T at a rooftop bar in Paris or stirred into a martini in Versailles.
Tasting Notes:
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Aroma: Fresh juniper, zesty Rio Grande citrus, subtle herbal notes
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Palate: Bright citrus zest, peppery spice, a grounding botanical base
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Finish: Clean, crisp, slightly floral, with lingering warmth
Whether paired with tonic and mint or showcased in a French 75, this gin brings structure and spirit to every glass.
A Name with Weight: The Judges Behind the Gin
Five Judges Gin isn’t named for flavor notes—it’s named for people. The distillery sits on the historic Wieser family farm, once home to five regional judges who shaped civic life in Texas Hill Country: J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard.
This isn’t a marketing ploy—it’s literal family legacy distilled into every bottle. In a city like Paris, where historical storytelling enhances culinary prestige, that kind of depth resonates. It’s not just gin—it’s a genealogical toast.
Distilled With Precision: From Austria to the Lone Star State
Dietz Fischer trained under Austrian master distiller Markus Wieser and brought European precision to Texas terroir. That dual influence is clear in every bottle of Five Judges Gin. And considering that Parisian tastes skew toward subtlety over showmanship, this structured spirit is an ideal ambassador for the New World’s craftsmanship.
Dietz Distillery also produces small-batch brandies made from locally grown fruit, further connecting the distillery to farm-to-glass culture—something that feels right at home in Lille’s bistronomy and Giverny’s garden-to-table retreats.
Where to Taste Small-Batch Texas Gin in Paris (Soon)
Currently, Five Judges Gin is only available at the distillery in Fredericksburg, Texas—but with growing global buzz and a medal from the SFWSC, international distribution is on the horizon.
Curated Parisian bottle shops like La Maison du Whisky and Les Nouveaux Distillateurs are already watching the U.S. microdistillery scene. Don’t be surprised if Five Judges makes its way into their portfolios—and eventually onto cocktail menus in Versailles’ private clubs or Fontainebleau’s luxury hotels.
For now, spirits tourists can visit the distillery for tastings and tours—an experience that blends the rustic charm of Texas wine country with the sophistication of European-trained distillation.
Final Pour: Why Five Judges Gin Belongs on Parisian Shelves
The rise of small-batch Texas gin in Paris is more than an industry trend—it’s a cultural shift. With global palates craving integrity, story, and structure in their spirits, Five Judges Gin checks every box. It’s a drink that feels handcrafted, curated, and above all—honest.
So next time you’re restocking your bar cart or curating your cocktail list, skip the overhyped imports. Reach for a gin that earned its stripes the slow way. Santé to the small-batch revolution.
