Broken Shed Vodka 1.75L is a triple-distilled, whey-based vodka from Wanaka, New Zealand, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a generous 1.75-liter format. Scored 90 points by Wine Enthusiast and awarded silver medals at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2011, Broken Shed has earned serious recognition for a spirit sourced from an unconventional base ingredient. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Wanaka, New Zealand | Style: Whey-Based Vodka | Distillery: Broken Shed Distillery Production & Heritage Broken Shed is one of a small number of vodkas worldwide distilled from whey — the protein-rich byproduct of dairy production — rather than grain, potato, or grape. The spirit is distilled three times, then blended with water drawn from two distinct New Zealand sources: ancient, mineral-rich aquifer water from the South Island and filtered spring water from the North Island. This dual-water approach, combined with the whey base, gives the finished vodka a notably soft, creamy texture that stands apart from grain-based competitors. Tasting Notes Aroma: A mineral-kissed opening gives way to delicate citrus blossom and a faint hint of vanilla. The nose is clean and restrained, with none of the sharp ethanol bite common in the category. Taste: The entry is sweet and creamy, with a soft mouthfeel that immediately signals the whey origin. Lemon zest and blood orange build through the mid-palate, arriving at a defined citrus peak accented by light vanilla and caramel. Yellow apple and a touch of anise add complexity on the back end. Finish: Warm and moderately long, with cracked black pepper and a gentle alcohol sting that trails off cleanly. Lingering notes of cocoa and anise provide an unexpected savory anchor. How to Drink Broken Shed The creamy body and mineral backbone make Broken Shed a strong candidate for chilled, neat sipping — served straight from the freezer, the texture turns almost silky. It also performs well on the rocks or with a splash of soda water to open the citrus notes. For cocktails, consider a Vodka Martini, where the natural sweetness and soft finish reduce the need for vermouth; an Espresso Martini, where the cocoa and vanilla undertones harmonize with coffee liqueur; or a Moscow Mule, where the ginger beer plays off the spirit's inherent black pepper character. Best For Stocking a home bar with a distinctive conversation-starting vodka Hosting cocktail parties where the 1.75L format reduces mid-evening bottle swaps Gifting a spirits enthusiast who thinks they've tried every vodka style Exploring whey-based spirits for the first time alongside more traditional grain vodkas Frequently Asked Questions What does Broken Shed taste like? Broken Shed delivers a sweet, creamy entry with prominent lemon zest and blood orange at the mid-palate, finishing warm with cracked black pepper, vanilla, and a subtle anise note. How does Broken Shed compare to Ketel One? Both are smooth, clean vodkas, but Broken Shed's whey base produces a noticeably creamier mouthfeel and a sweeter flavor profile than Ketel One's wheat-driven crispness. Ketel One leans drier and more citrus-forward, while Broken Shed emphasizes body and mineral softness. Is Broken Shed good for sipping neat? Yes — the triple distillation and mineral-rich water blend yield a smooth, low-burn spirit that drinks comfortably on its own, especially when served well chilled. Where is Broken Shed made? Broken Shed is produced in Wanaka, a town in the Otago region on New Zealand's South Island, using water sourced from aquifers on both the South and North Islands of New Zealand. What foods pair well with Broken Shed? Briny raw oysters complement the vodka's mineral character; smoked salmon works with the creamy texture; fresh sushi and sashimi match its clean finish; soft cheeses like brie echo the dairy origin of the whey base; and lemon tarts mirror the citrus notes on the palate. What sizes does Broken Shed come in? Broken Shed is commonly available in 750ml and 1.75L bottles, with the larger handle format offering better value for regular use and entertaining. Is Broken Shed worth the price? Broken Shed positions as a mid-premium vodka — priced above well-tier bottles but competitive with established premium brands, offering a genuinely different flavor profile thanks to its whey base and New Zealand water sourcing. Why Broken Shed? In a category dominated by grain and potato spirits, Broken Shed's whey base is a legitimate point of difference — not a marketing gimmick but a choice that produces measurably different texture and flavor. The 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating and dual silver medals at international competitions confirm that the result holds up under blind evaluation. The blending of aquifer and spring water from opposite ends of New Zealand adds mineral complexity rarely found in vodka at this price tier. For drinkers who have settled on a favorite and stopped exploring, Broken Shed is the bottle most likely to change their mind about what vodka can taste like.
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