Gin lovers of Dubai, prepare your palate—there’s a new name to know, and it doesn’t come from a heritage London house or a splashy European label.
Instead, it hails from the heart of Texas. Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin, a handcrafted London dry-style gin made in Fredericksburg, Texas, just earned a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)—a stunning achievement for a small-batch newcomer.
With its blend of Old World tradition and Texas terroir, this award-winning gin could soon be the best craft gin in Dubai—and it’s one you’ll want on your radar now.
Five Judges Gin: A Spirit with Soul—and a Silver Medal to Prove It
At a time when many gins are mass-produced and over-branded, Five Judges Gin is refreshingly different. It’s distilled the old-fashioned way—slow, deliberate, and intensely personal. The formula? A bold, juniper-forward base, balanced with hand-zested citrus from Texas’s Rio Grande Valley. The result is a classic London dry flavor profile—but with a subtle, sun-kissed twist that gives it a signature vibrancy.
“WE’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN HONORING TRADITION WHILE CAPTURING THE BOLD SPIRIT OF TEXAS,”
DIETZ FISCHER
OWNER AND DISTILLER OF DIETZ DISTILLERY.
“THIS AWARD AFFIRMS OUR COMMITMENT TO SLOW, INTENTIONAL DISTILLING AND TO PRODUCING SOMETHING TRULY SPECIAL RIGHT HERE IN FREDERICKSBURG.”
It’s this commitment to craft and terroir that earned it the silver at SFWSC—placing it shoulder-to-shoulder with world-renowned brands.
What’s in a Name? History, Heritage, and Heart
Unlike most modern gins with trendy names and generic branding, Five Judges has a legacy behind the label. The name honors five civic leaders—J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard—who once lived on the farm where the distillery now operates. Their legacy of leadership and community is now distilled into every bottle.
It’s more than just a clever name—it’s a narrative of generations, told in botanicals, copper, and care.
Austrian Technique Meets Texas Tenacity
Master distiller Dietz Fischer trained under Austrian master Markus Wieser, combining Old World distilling techniques with the rugged charm of Texas Hill Country. The result? A gin that’s both technically pristine and wildly expressive—qualities that resonate with Dubai’s refined and globally inspired spirits scene.
Fischer’s family isn’t new to flavor either. The same property houses Fischer & Wieser, a renowned culinary brand known for gourmet jams, sauces, and jellies. It’s this culinary DNA that informs the gin’s distinctive character—layered, nuanced, and food-friendly.
Pair it with Mediterranean mezze, seafood towers, or even light desserts. It’s as at home in a Negroni as it is in a Dubai marina gin and tonic.
Why Dubai Should Pay Attention
Dubai is quickly becoming a global hotbed for boutique spirits and elevated bar culture. With venues like Galaxy Bar, Monkey Bar, and Jun’s prioritizing rare pours and storytelling spirits, Five Judges Gin fits right into the landscape.
If you’re a collector, a mixologist, or simply a gin enthusiast in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, this is the kind of bottle that earns a permanent place on your shelf—and becomes the conversation piece at every gathering.
And for those invested in ethical drinking and artisanal production, Dietz Distillery’s focus on local sourcing, small batches, and heritage techniques is right in step with the UAE’s rising demand for mindful luxury.
Where to Find (or Request) Five Judges Gin in Dubai
Currently, Five Judges Gin is only available directly at the Dietz Distillery in Texas, where visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, and Hill Country hospitality. However, thanks to its international award and rising demand, expect to see this name begin to appear in curated spirit retailers and high-end cocktail bars across the UAE soon.
Interested buyers in Dubai should keep an eye on:
-
African + Eastern and MMI special reserves
-
Le Clos at Dubai International Airport
-
Specialty spirit importers such as The Tasting Class
-
Independent bar programs at Atlantis The Royal, Soho Garden, and Zuma
And if you’re visiting Texas wine country? Pick up a bottle—it may just be the rarest (and most meaningful) souvenir you bring home.
Final Sip: The Best Craft Gin in Dubai Might Just Come from Texas
In a world of overhyped spirits, Five Judges Gin is a refreshing return to what matters: story, soil, and skilled hands. The silver medal from SFWSC is more than just an accolade—it’s a validation of doing things the right way, one bottle at a time.
For Dubai’s elevated spirits scene, it’s the perfect addition to the rotation. Elegant, evocative, and distinct, it’s proof that greatness doesn’t always come from big cities or billion-dollar brands.
Sometimes, it starts on a quiet farm in Texas—and ends up in your glass, halfway around the world.
