Broken Shed Vodka 750ML is a triple-distilled New Zealand vodka made from whey and blended with ancient mineral water, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. This unconventional spirit has earned a Double Gold at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) competition and a Platinum Medal at the SIP Awards, distinguishing it as one of the Southern Hemisphere's most acclaimed vodkas.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Wanaka, New Zealand | Style: Whey-Based Vodka | Distillery: Broken Shed Distilleries, Inc.Production & HeritageBroken Shed originates from Wanaka, a lakeside town on New Zealand's South Island known for its pristine alpine environment. What separates this vodka from the vast majority of the category is its base material: whey, a byproduct of cheese-making from grass-fed cows. The spirit is distilled three times and then blended with two distinct water sources — mineral water drawn from a 15,000-year-old aquifer beneath the Southern Alps and pure spring water from New Zealand's North Island. This dual-water blending process, combined with the whey base, produces a vodka with a noticeably fuller body and more complex flavor profile than typical grain- or potato-based expressions.Tasting NotesAroma: A clean, immediate hit of vanilla dominates the nose, gradually giving way to subtle citrus and freshly-cut grass. The overall impression is light and inviting without the sharp alcohol burn common in many vodkas at this proof.Taste: The entry is surprisingly soft and full-bodied, with butterscotch and vanilla notes arriving first on the palate. At mid-palate, a gentle peppery spice emerges alongside bittersweet complexity. Fresh mint and anise weave through the back of the tongue, creating layers uncommon for a vodka.Finish: Smooth and clean with a touch of lingering warmth rather than heat. Faint vanilla and anise persist, fading gradually without harshness.How to Drink Broken ShedBroken Shed's natural sweetness and full body make it genuinely enjoyable neat or over a single large ice cube, which opens up the vanilla and mint notes as it dilutes slightly. Its clean profile and subtle complexity also make it an exceptional cocktail base. Vodka Martini: The butterscotch-vanilla undertones add depth where many vodkas disappear behind the vermouth. Espresso Martini: The natural vanilla and anise notes complement coffee liqueur without requiring additional sweeteners. Moscow Mule: The peppery mid-palate and mint hints harmonize naturally with ginger beer and fresh lime. Best For Vodka enthusiasts seeking a departure from grain- and potato-based spirits Gifting someone who values provenance and unusual production stories Hosting a craft cocktail tasting focused on premium, small-production vodkas Neat sipping alongside a charcuterie or cheese board Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Broken Shed taste like? Broken Shed delivers a smooth, surprisingly full-bodied vodka experience led by butterscotch vanilla, soft anise, and fresh mint, with a gentle peppery spice on the mid-palate. The finish is clean and warm without any harsh alcohol bite.How does Broken Shed compare to Ketel One? Both are smooth, premium vodkas, but they diverge significantly in base material — Ketel One is wheat-based and distilled in copper pot stills in the Netherlands, while Broken Shed uses whey and alpine mineral water from New Zealand. Broken Shed tends to present a fuller body with more pronounced vanilla and anise character, whereas Ketel One leans toward a crisper, more citrus-forward profile.Is Broken Shed good for sipping neat? Yes — its full body, natural sweetness, and lack of harsh alcohol burn make it one of the more rewarding vodkas to drink without any mixer or garnish. A single ice cube can further open up the vanilla and mint aromatics.Where is Broken Shed made? Broken Shed is produced by Broken Shed Distilleries, Inc., based in Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island. The water sources come from both the Southern Alps aquifer (South Island) and a spring on New Zealand's North Island.What foods pair well with Broken Shed? Fresh oysters or raw seafood benefit from the vodka's clean minerality. Aged cheeses echo the whey-based origin and complement the butterscotch notes. Smoked salmon works well against the subtle anise and pepper. Vanilla-forward desserts like crème brûlée harmonize with the spirit's dominant vanilla character. Light charcuterie boards with cured meats and pickled vegetables match the vodka's soft sweetness and gentle spice.What sizes does Broken Shed come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.Is Broken Shed worth the price? Broken Shed positions in the premium vodka tier, competing with established names like Ketel One and Belvedere. Its unique whey-based distillation, New Zealand provenance, and multiple high-level awards — including a Double Gold at WSWA and a 90-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge — provide strong justification within that price range.Why Broken Shed?In a vodka market saturated with grain and potato spirits from traditional producing regions, Broken Shed stands apart through its whey base and New Zealand terroir. The use of water from a 15,000-year-old alpine aquifer is not a marketing gimmick — it contributes measurable minerality and a texture that reviewers consistently describe as fuller-bodied than the category norm. The spirit's competitive resume backs up the drinking experience: a 90-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Double Gold at WSWA, and Platinum at the SIP Awards place it among the most decorated vodkas in its tier. For drinkers who have explored the European classics and want something genuinely different in origin, method, and flavor, Broken Shed delivers a compelling alternative.
