Distillery profile

Fifth State Distillery

Explore the distillery's history, craft, production, and the distinctive character of its whiskies.

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Fifth State Distillery

Overview

Fifth State Distillery is a family-run distillery located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where city and countryside meet. Here, small-batch gin, vodka, whiskey and specialty spirits are produced using local ingredients and hand-picked Connecticut corn as the base. The distillery is known for its distinctive gin and for working closely with regional farmers – a modern farm-to-bottle approach driven by the Schulten family.

History

The Schulten family opened Fifth State Distillery in Bridgeport and brought functional distillery operations back to the city as the first licensed distillery since Prohibition. The initiative was led by the family with Robert (Rob) and Bridget at the helm, and the distillery has from the start focused on establishing long-term relationships with local farmers. The work builds on a regional tradition of grain and botanicals, and Fifth State has prioritized the use of non-GMO corn from 3rd- and 4th-generation farming partners. Since opening, the distillery has developed a range of products — particularly a gin that has attracted positive press and awards — and the family-owned focus on craftsmanship and local sourcing is a throughline in the company's development.

Raw materials and production

The base for Fifth State’s spirits is locally sourced corn, which is distilled into base alcohol and further processed into vodka, gin, whiskey, and specialty spirits. Gin is produced by steam- or vapor-infusion, which highlights botanicals in a different way than direct maceration. The distiller Rob Schulten, with a background in chemical engineering, has designed the distillery's combination of copper and stainless-steel equipment, and production takes place in small batches with artisanal control from fermentation to bottling. Emphasis is placed on hand-selecting raw materials in the fields and on avoiding artificial additives in the finished bottles.

Aging and barrel types

Whiskey and other aged products are produced, stored, and bottled in the distillery's urban facilities. The distillery's work on finish and final flavor choices is performed manually by the distiller, who personally makes decisions about finish processes. No specific barrel types or experimental aging programs are described in the material.

Whiskies

Fifth State produces a core range consisting of gin, vodka, whiskey, and a selection of specialty spirits and liqueurs. Gin is highlighted as a particular focus area and described as the distillery's flagship product; in addition, ready-to-drink products and flavor variants have earned competitive recognition. The range is built around small-batch and artisanal processes, where finish and flavor development are often decided directly by the distiller.

Whiskies: style and flavor profile

From the available descriptions, the gin profile appears clearly botanical: juniper-based, complemented by angelica root and coriander, and described as more herbaceous than piney. The grain base for the whiskey is highlighted for its creamy character from Connecticut corn, and the whiskey is described as soft with a rustic edge. These directions — herbaceous botanicals, classic juniper, and creamy grain character — recur in the material and form the foundation of the distillery's style.

Visit the Distillery

The distillery welcomes visitors to the tasting room, but tastings and visits are time-limited to about one hour and require advance reservation. Mini-tours can be included with tastings, but are not guaranteed. There are currently no ongoing tour offerings, but private group bookings for 12+ people can be arranged by agreement via contact person Bridget. Product pickup occurs Monday to Wednesday and Friday mornings, and the distillery is closed for pickups on weekends.

The stated opening hours are: Product pickup: Monday–Wednesday and Friday 9:00–12:00. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. Tasting room and distillery visits are limited to one hour.
See times and book a visit.

Philosophy and craft

Fifth State builds its practice on local collaboration and family operation. The raw materials are selected in close collaboration with regional farmers, and the distillery highlights farming practices such as crop rotation and soil care. Production focuses on natural ingredients without artificial colorings or added sugars, and the distiller personally makes decisions about finish and flavor profile in each batch.

Sustainability

Prioritizes local ingredients and collaborates with third- and fourth-generation farmers.
Differentiates itself by highlighting sustainable soil management and crop rotation.

Awards and recognition

  • CT Gin Distillery of the Year (2021)

  • CT Gin Distillery of the Year (2022)

  • CT Gin Distillery of the Year (2023)

  • CT Gin Distillery of the Year (2024)

  • CT Gin Distillery of the Year (2025)

  • DOUBLE GOLD Medal (2025, 98 Points, Chocolate Old Fashioned RTD)

  • GOLD Medal (Madagascar Gin) (2025, 95 Points, Madagascar Gin)

  • DOUBLE GOLD Medal (2023, Espresso Martini RTD)

  • GOLD Medal (2023, Chocolate XS Liqueur)

  • GOLD Medal (2023, Passion Gin)