Top Shelf Library Gin 40%

Classic. Historic. Creative.

A legacy gin based on the oldest known recipe in the British Library collection. The recipe was translated from old Dutch and permission was given for the Te Puna Foundation to base their library gin on this recipe. A traditional flavour profile, bright juniper, Grains of Paradise and galangal botanicals and subtle citrus, this gin captures both heritage and possibility. It’s classic, yet curious, timeless yet forward-looking: a distillation of New Zealand’s character and craft.

All revenue from this Gin goes to the Te Puna Foundation.  

About Te Puna Foundation & Top Shelf Library Gin

Within every great library lies a thousand untold stories, and this gin is one of them. Crafted in celebration of Aotearoa’s spirit of knowledge, connection and generosity, Top Shelf Gin honours the enduring partnership between culture and creativity.

Te Puna Foundation exists to drive growth and partnership to make knowledge accessible for generations to come. As the independent, charitable partner to the National Library and Archives New Zealand, we unlock what public funding alone cannot, empowering bold ideas, new connections and enduring access to the nation’s stories.

Every bottle of Top Shelf Gin purchased directly supports the Te Puna Foundation, helping to bring powerful initiatives to life. One of its most meaningful achievements is the establishment of the children’s reading ambassador or Te Awhi Rito — a national role dedicated to championing the joy and lifelong benefits of reading for young New Zealanders, their families, whānau, and communities.

The current Reading Ambassador, Kate De Goldi, is leading a nationwide movement to raise the profile of reading across all sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through her advocacy, she is helping to inspire a new generation and foster a nation of readers (https://readingambassador.nz/).

The Te Puna Foundation has also funded a special travel initiative that enables school children from across the country to visit the National Library in Wellington. There, they can engage with He Tohu — the internationally significant exhibition that preserves the Treaty of Waitangi and the Women’s Suffrage Petition — connecting young minds with the stories that shape our nation.