Bridgeport-based Fifth State Distillery shared 2023 medal placements: Connecticut Gin Distillery of the Year and Fifth State Passion Gin, Gold, New York International Spirits Competition; Fifth State Espresso Martini, Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; and Fifth State Chocolate XS Liqueur, Gold, American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition.

Bridgeport-based Fifth State Distillery shared recent medal placements from annual spirit competitions. Its first distinction of note marks the third year in a row of being awarded Connecticut Gin Distillery of the Year by the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC). The NYISC also awarded its Fifth State Passion Gin a Gold medal. Its newest offering, Fifth State Espresso Martini, earned a Double Gold from the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which means all judges awarded it gold medals. The American Distilling Institute’s 2023 International Spirits Competition awarded Fifth State Chocolate XS Liqueur a Gold medal. Founded by Rob and Bridget Schulten, the award-winning spirits use Connecticut-grown, non-GMO corn to make its many gins, whiskeys, vodkas and liqueurs. Products include Fifth State Gin, Seville Gin, Vodka, Ginger Zap Vodka, Simply Celery Vodka, Wonderful Water Nutmeg Liqueur, Limoncello and CT Maple Whiskey, among them. The brand is self-distributed across Connecticut.