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Texas Gin Breaks Through: Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin Wins Silver at SFWSC with Dietz Fischer

Texas Gin Breaks Through: Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin Wins Silver at SFWSC

In a year where agave, amaro, and Japanese whisky have dominated West Coast bar programs, one small-batch gin from the Texas Hill Country is making a name for itself—and turning heads far beyond state lines. Five Judges Gin, crafted by Dietz Distillery in Fredericksburg, Texas, just brought home a Silver Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)—a major moment for a young label quietly doing extraordinary things.

For gin lovers and bartenders in Los Angeles and San Diego, this kind of recognition matters. The SFWSC is the real deal: judged blind by some of the top palates in the industry, it’s where global brands and tiny upstarts go head-to-head—and only the best earn medals. That a relatively new distillery from Central Texas held its own against legacy houses and international heavyweights? That’s worth a closer look.

Texas Gin Breaks Through: Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin Wins Silver at SFWSC with Owner Dietz Fischer

Dietz Distillery’s Five Judges Gin

At its core, Five Judges is a London dry-style gin, distilled using traditional European methods—but it’s also unmistakably Texan. It leans into citrus from the Rio Grande Valley to brighten up its herbaceous base, adding a warm, zesty lift that SoCal gin fans will recognize and appreciate.

“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.”

The name Five Judges tells a uniquely local story—one rooted in family and legacy. It honors five members of the Wieser family who helped shape the civic and legal framework of the region, their legacy now bottled and distilled into a spirit that carries weight far beyond the farm.

If you’ve spent time tasting through the shelves of places like Barkeeper in Silver Lake or Collins & Coupe in San Diego, you know how hard it is for a new name to break through. But Dietz Distillery isn’t just riding on narrative—there’s serious technique behind it. Fischer trained under Austrian master distiller Markus Wieser and draws on both European precision and Texas terroir. The result is a gin that respects structure but isn’t afraid to get wild with flavor.

Though the distillery only opened in 2021, it’s already earned a reputation among Texas spirits insiders for its small-batch approach. Alongside the gin, Dietz also produces fruit brandies made with farm-grown stone fruit—peaches, plums, and pears—that feel like a nod to California eaux-de-vie, but with a bold Hill Country edge.

For now, Five Judges Gin is only available at the tasting room in Fredericksburg. But if you’re the type who plans road trips around spirits destinations—or just loves discovering the next under-the-radar bottle before it hits a Venice Beach backbar—this one deserves a spot on your radar.

At a time when SoCal bartenders are increasingly looking beyond the coasts for fresh inspiration, Five Judges feels like the kind of gin that could quietly slip into a Martinez, shine in a Southside, or stand solo on a cube. It’s thoughtful, layered, and proudly off the beaten path.

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Why Everyone in L.A. Is Talking About This Bottle from On The Rocks Cocktails —And Dylan Efron’s Got One in Hand

Why Everyone in L.A. Is Talking About This Bottled Cocktail—And Dylan Efron’s Got One in Hand

From Beverly Hills rooftops to the American Music Awards in Vegas, On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails is becoming the drink of the moment for Los Angeles tastemakers.


If you’ve been to a dinner party in Silver Lake, a pool day in Venice, or a rooftop gathering in West Hollywood lately, chances are you’ve already seen them—sleek bottles, bold labels, and cocktails so good, they taste like they came from a $20-per-drink mixologist.

We’re talking about On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails, the bartender-crafted ready-to-drink cocktails that have officially made the leap from local favorite to full-blown red carpet royalty.

How big is this brand getting? It just returned for a second year as the official cocktail of the American Music Awards, serving drinks to celebrities, influencers, and VIPs live from the brand-new Fontainebleau Las Vegas. But make no mistake—this is still an L.A. story at heart.


From Westside to Worldwide

On The Rocks™ might be making waves in Vegas, but it was born for places like Los Angeles: where people love a great cocktail but hate waiting in line to get one.

At this year’s AMAs, while the music world’s biggest stars lit up the stage, On The Rocks™ was making headlines of its own. Guests were treated to their full line-up inside the lavish BleauLive Theater lobby, transforming the pre-show cocktail game into something more stylish, accessible, and yes—very L.A.

And backstage? Dylan Efron casually popped open a Margarita, toasted with an Old Fashioned, and showed America how to “Make it a Cocktail”—a moment that aired during the live broadcast and gave fans a peek into the effortless cool the brand is pushing.

You can check out his behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @otrcocktails, and honestly, it looks more like an Echo Park house party than a backstage award show.


A Campaign Made for L.A. Life

Carol Robert, managing director of U.S. ready-to-drink at Suntory Global Spirits, summed it up perfectly:

“The American Music Awards are all about celebrating the moments that bring people together—and that’s exactly what On The Rocks™ is created to do.”

That idea is at the heart of their new “Make it a Cocktail” campaign, which made its primetime debut during the AMAs. The campaign flips the script on traditional drinking occasions—showing people ditching wine or beer in favor of a proper cocktail at times you’d never expect it. Think: an Espresso Martini at a backyard movie night, or a Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule at a Dodger game tailgate.

It’s all about elevating everyday moments, something Angelenos know a thing or two about.


The L.A. Factor: Convenience Meets Craft

Founded in 2015 by a group of industry vets who knew the pain of finding a decent cocktail outside of a high-end bar, On The Rocks™ delivers all the flavor and balance of a hand-mixed drink—minus the bartender, the mess, or the Uber ride home.

Their lineup reads like the menu at a trendy cocktail bar on La Brea:
The Aviation, Old Fashioned, Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai, and more. Limited editions like the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour and Blue Hawaiian have become collector items for cocktail connoisseurs across town.

And now, with the launch of their sparkling canned line—Sparkling Lime Margarita, Mango & Mint Mojito, and Cucumber & Lemongrass MuleOn The Rocks™ is staking its claim on poolside coolers from Malibu to Marina del Rey.


Where to Sip in L.A.

Whether you’re hosting a movie night in Culver City, planning a beach day in Santa Monica, or pre-gaming for a night out in West Hollywood, On The Rocks™ is the go-to. You can find the full lineup at major retailers around Los Angeles, or just visit ontherockscocktails.com to stock up.

Follow @otrcocktails on Instagram for the latest drops, cocktail inspo, and behind-the-scenes celebrity moments.


Bottom line:
L.A. is a city that doesn’t wait—and now your drink doesn’t have to either. On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails is delivering mixology-level cocktails without the fuss, and everyone from Dylan Efron to your neighbor in Brentwood is pouring one.

Big Papi’s Ultra-Premium Ozama Rum Just Landed in L.A.—Here’s Why You’ll Want a Bottle

Big Papi’s Next Power Play: David Ortiz Uncorks a Dominican Rum With Soul, Swagger, and Serious Flavor

In a town that thrives on reinvention, where tequila tastings compete with mezcal masterclasses and everyone knows their Negroni from their Paper Plane, the arrival of Ozama Rum might just disrupt L.A.’s sipping scene in the most unexpected—and welcome—way. But this isn’t just another luxury bottle with a celebrity signature. It’s Dominican-born, baseball-bred, and brimming with heart.

Launched by none other than Hall-of-Famer David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Ozama Rum is a lush, premium spirit that pays homage to the rhythms, rituals, and resilience of the Dominican Republic. And while Ortiz may be best known for smashing home runs for the Boston Red Sox, his latest swing connects straight to his roots—and it’s a clean hit.

David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Ozama Rum

“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” Ortiz says.

“I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

Rum, Reimagined

Named after the Ozama River—the same one Ortiz grew up fishing, swimming, and crabbing along as a boy—Ozama Rum isn’t just Dominican in spirit. It’s 100% Dominican in production. From the locally grown sugarcane to the fermentation, distillation, and

Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises

Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises

The Academy Award-nominated actress, entrepreneur, and proud Angeleno has teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her fan-favorite Seven Daughters Moscato to travelers worldwide. The wine, celebrated for its vibrant, lightly sweet notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, is the latest addition to the cruise line’s Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection.

And for L.A. locals who already know Taraji as more than just Cookie Lyon or Melinda Gayle, this new venture is pure Taraji: bold, inviting, and full of heart.

“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” said Henson. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”

Headquartered right in Santa Clarita, Princess Cruises has long been a part of Southern California’s luxury travel DNA. With its proximity to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro—just a freeway ride away from Taraji’s hometown hustle—this partnership feels especially fitting. L.A. residents looking for a chic weekend escape can now sip on Seven Daughters while cruising down the Pacific Coast or setting out on a Mexican Riviera getaway, glass in hand and ocean breeze in hair.

“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”

Seven Daughters isn’t just another celebrity wine—it’s a labor of love and creativity. As Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator, Henson has poured her personality into every bottle. For L.A. tastemakers and wine lovers, this means more than a quality drink; it’s a chance to connect with a star who has always stayed rooted in the community.

With her inclusion in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, Henson joins a glamorous circle of fellow celebrity spirits makers including Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson (Meili Vodka), Camila and Matthew McConaughey (Pantalones Organic Tequila), Blake Lively (Betty Booze and Betty Buzz), Liev Schreiber (Sláinte Irish Whiskey), Jason Aldean (Melarosa Wines), Romero Britto (Love Prosecco), and Kylie Minogue (No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé).

For Angelenos used to spotting stars in Studio City or sipping cocktails in West Hollywood, the idea of toasting with a Taraji-crafted wine while watching the sunset over the Pacific feels just right. Whether you’re heading to Catalina for the weekend or sailing out to Alaska, Seven Daughters is now the perfect local-meets-luxury beverage choice.

The Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, launched by Princess Cruises to spotlight exclusive, star-powered wines and spirits, is about more than just sipping—it’s about celebrating. And with Taraji P. Henson at the helm of her Moscato, there’s never been a better time to raise a glass to life, love, and L.A. style.

More details and sailing options available at www.princess.com.

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