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Pungent Pukeko Distilling

Waikato, Otorohanga

Website

About

Pungent Pukeko is a small-batch craft distillery in Otorohanga, Waikato, producing bold, native botanical gins inspired by flavours from their lifestyle block.

Pungent Pukeko began as a backyard craft spirit project that evolved into a boutique distillery in Otorohanga, New Zealand. Named for the friendly Pūkeko birds living near the property, the brand specialises in gin made with botanicals foraged from its own land - including rimu, tōtara, kawakawa, citrus, herbs and even eucalyptus - giving each spirit a true taste of place.

Their flagship Backyard Gin is steam distilled above a neutral whey-based spirit in a small 20 L copper still and bottled at 45% ABV, delivering vibrant, bold flavours that can be enjoyed neat, with tonic or in cocktails. According to tasting notes and awards listings, the gin shows soft citrus and minty spice, with a smooth palate and peppery, liquorice finish.

Pungent Pukeko champions sustainability and local character, remaining a family-run operation focused on unique Kiwi-inspired flavour profiles.

Details

Region	Otorohanga, Waikato
Address	189 Kāwhia Road, Ōtorohanga 3973, New Zealand
Has Cellar Door?	No
Has Distillery Tours?	No
Website	pungentpukeko.co.nz

Backyard Gin

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A bold, native botanical gin distilled in Ōtorohanga using steam-distilled rimu, tōtara, kawakawa, citrus and garden herbs for a uniquely Kiwi profile.

Distillery	Pungent Pukeko Distilling
Category	New Zealand Craft Gin
ABV %	45%
Bottle Size/s:	500mls
Price $	$74.95
Botanicals Used	Rimu timber, tōtara resin, kawakawa spice, citrus (orange & lime), eucalyptus, rosemary, mint, thyme — lively citrus and herby spice with a smooth, peppery finish.
Recommended Mixers	Tonic water, soda water, lemonade
Recommended Garnishers	Citrus twist (lime or orange), fresh herb sprig

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Cheeky Kea Gin

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Cheeky Kea Gin is a contemporary London Dry style gin from Pungent Pukeko Distilling Co, crafted using whey-based neutral spirit and native New Zealand botanicals including tarata, rimu, and flax leaf. Bottled at 47% ABV, it delivers bright citrus notes balanced with resinous forest undertones and a gentle herbal warmth.

Distillery	Pungent Pukeko Distilling
Category	Dry Gin
ABV %	47%
Bottle Size/s:	500mls
Price $	$74.95
Botanicals Used	Juniper, anise, citrus notes of lemon and orange, piney resinous botanicals, fresh herbs and a gentle lift of mint and ginger warmth.
Recommended Mixers	Premium tonic water, soda water or Alchemy & Tonic Grapefruit & Thyme Tonic
Recommended Garnishers	lemon peel or lime

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Phucked Pheasant Gin

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Phucked Pheasant Gin is a navy strength gin from Pungent Pukeko Distilling Co bottled at 57% ABV. Made using whey-based spirit and a mix of citrus, herbal and native botanicals, it delivers bold juniper, bright citrus and subtle honeyed notes.

Distillery	Pungent Pukeko Distilling
Category	Navy Strength Gin
ABV %	57%
Bottle Size/s:	500mls
Price $	N/A
Botanicals Used	Juniper, anise, orange, lime, piney resinous botanicals, mint and a subtle honeyed sweetness from bee pollen.
Recommended Mixers	Alchemy & Tonic Grapefruit & Thyme Tonic or Yuzu & Lemongrass Tonic
Recommended Garnishers	Orange peel, lime wedge or fresh mint

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Temptatious Tūī Gin

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A bold New Zealand gin inspired by the colourful Tūī, distilled with kawakawa, citrus peels, tōtara, rimu and a hint of bee pollen.

Distillery	Pungent Pukeko Distilling
Category	New Zealand Craft Gin
ABV %	45%
Bottle Size/s:	500mls
Price $	$74.95
Botanicals Used	Kawakawa leaf, orange peel, lime rind, tōtara, rimu, bee pollen - citrus zest, gentle spice and forest depth.
Recommended Mixers	Tonic water, soda water
Recommended Garnishers	Lime wedge, fresh kawakawa leaf