Juno Spirits is an artisan distillery based in Westown, New Plymouth, celebrated for crafting award-winning New Zealand spirits using pure mountain water and fresh, locally sourced botanicals. Founded by distillers Jo and Dave, the craft operation transforms nature into refined spirits using Lila, their custom copper still.
Alongside their internationally recognised flagship gins and vodkas, Juno Spirits offers a cellar door experience, distillery tours, private event bookings, and an on-site bar serving handcrafted cocktails and food. Visitors can explore the distilling process, sample seasonal releases, or reserve a table to enjoy their innovative spirit creations right at the source.
Tucked away on Sunley Street in Westown, New Plymouth, Juno Spirits Distillery represents the pinnacle of boutique New Zealand distilling. Founded by distillers Jo and Dave, Juno was born out of a passion for turning mother nature's bounty into exceptional spirits through patience, precision, and artful distillation. Centred around their striking copper still named Lila, the distillery unites pure New Zealand mountain water with fresh, hand-selected botanicals to produce a portfolio of award-winning gins and vodkas.
The philosophy behind Juno is simple yet demanding: let the natural environment speak through clean spirit architecture. Rather than relying on generic bulk bases or artificial flavorings, Juno's spirits showcase regional ingredients and creative botanical pairings. This dedication has earned widespread recognition within the industry, culminating in top honors at the 2025 New Zealand Spirits Awards, where both their Extra Fine Gin and Extra Fine Vodka claimed Best in Category titles.
At the core of the Juno lineup is the flagship Juno Extra Fine Gin, a contemporary spirit praised for its botanical balance, alongside the remarkably smooth Juno Extra Fine Vodka. Beyond their perennial offerings, Juno has built a loyal following through its celebrated seasonal gin releases. Each season brings a distinctly curated recipe capturing the mood and produce of the period.
Autumn bottlings highlight earthy and rich undertones such as smoked manuka, parsnip, and orange zest. Spring releases burst with vibrant aromatics like purple sage, mandarin citrus, and the tingly heat of prickly ash. In summer, the distillery crafts seasonal pink gin layered with blackcurrant, thyme, and bright lemon, while winter editions lean into comforting notes of ginger and golden syrup. These limited runs sell out quickly, making every seasonal drop an anticipated local event.
A visit to the Sunley Street distillery is much more than a shopping trip. Juno operates an active cellar door shop, guided tasting tours, and an on-site bar where patrons can book tables to sample spirits right where they are made. The cellar door menu highlights seasonal cocktails designed around their signature spirits, complemented by selections of craft beer, wine, and food.
Visitors booking a distillery tour can step behind the scenes to see Lila the copper still up close, hear the story of Juno's journey from inception to award podiums, and learn how each botanical is chosen and extracted. For those looking to unwind, the bar provides a warm and relaxed environment from morning through evening on Fridays and Saturdays, making it an ideal gathering spot for locals and visiting spirits enthusiasts alike.