Born from a backyard experiment and a veranda grapevine, Pungent Pukeko Distilling Co. began with one batch of homemade Port and a stubborn curiosity for flavour. What started as a weekend hobby has since evolved into a celebration of New Zealand’s wild botanicals – distilled, bottled, and shared from the heart of Otorohanga.

We craft small-batch gins inspired by NZ’s native landscape – bright, bold, and unmistakably Kiwi. Each spirit is a botanical snapshot of where we live: Kawakawa from the bushline, Rimu and Totara from the forest edge, citrus from our backyard, and many other unique additions.

Our name nods to the curious Pukeko family that wander our property – vibrant, social, and a little bit cheeky. “Pungent” captures our approach: unapologetically aromatic, full of life, and packed with flavour that dares to stand out.

From our original Backyard Gin to the now four distinct expressions we pour, every bottle celebrates the creativity of Kiwi distilling and the extraordinary flavours of our land.