In the heart of Auckland’s vibrant craft scene, Twelfth Hour Distillery has quickly become a standout in the world of New Zealand spirits. Founded by friends Andrew Shannon, Pawat Lamwilai, and Angela Tsang, the distillery was born from a shared passion for precision, storytelling, and the pursuit of an original gin. Its name—Twelfth Hour—is a tribute to the many late nights spent perfecting a recipe that balances boldness with clarity.

The cornerstone of Twelfth Hour’s signature Dry Gin is the makrut lime, a deeply aromatic ingredient drawn from Pawat’s Thai heritage. Grown in his mother’s Auckland garden, the makrut lime brings an unmistakable burst of citrus and exotic spice, lending the gin its distinct aromatic profile. This is a gin that doesn’t whisper—it hums with intention, from the first scent to the long, lingering finish.

Distilled in small batches and bottled unfiltered, the gin retains the essential oils of its botanicals. This choice, both aesthetic and sensory, gives the spirit a rich texture and depth, while allowing natural cloudiness when mixed—a visual nod to its uncompromised authenticity. Alongside juniper, the recipe includes coriander seed, lemon peel, and orange zest, woven into a framework that is at once classic and inventive.

Since its debut in 2020, Twelfth Hour has earned critical acclaim, including medals from both the New Zealand Spirit Awards and the Australian Gin Awards. These accolades reflect not only the spirit’s quality, but the originality and coherence of its identity. Each element—from the recipe to the striking label design—feels purposeful and personal.

The distillery’s commitment to sustainability runs alongside its creative ethos. Bottles are made to be repurposed, and production relies on local suppliers and designers wherever possible. From label printing to glasswork, Twelfth Hour’s choices reflect a thoughtful connection to its community.

Twelfth Hour Distillery is a convergence of heritage, friendship, and craftsmanship—a brand that balances global inspiration with local precision. It is a gin designed not simply to impress, but to express: a spirit of place, of time, and of people who chose to create something lasting in the quiet hours before the day begins.