Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Spirit Review: Broken Shed Vodka

Made from whey, a crisp and smooth winner
by Jen Killius on Oct 31, 2012 in Liquor
Spirit Review: Broken Shed Vodka

New  Zealand: a land of sweeping vistas, adventure and now... vodka. A relatively new spirit on the market, Broken Shed Vodka was founded in 2009 and has its humble beginnings in an old shed (hence the name) in the fairly remote area of Wanaka, New Zealand. Eventually the founders moved production to Central Otago as the distillery launched its first spirit in 2011. Broken Shed Vodka won the silver medal at both the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2011. The company began distribution in the U.S. in June of this year.

Distilled from whey, a byproduct of milk curds that is rich in proteins and lactose, this spirit is one of the more unique vodka offerings available right now. After distillation, Broken Shed is then blended with two different spring waters from East Tamaki in the North and Central Otago in the South of New Zealand. The founders tested numerous different spring waters and base spirits before deciding on their current combination, both chosen for their purity and clean taste. All of their ingredients are sourced exclusively from New Zealand. Additionally, the spirit is crafted without using additives and sugars, which can mask or change the taste of vodka.

The initial aroma of Broken Shed is that of mild ethanol. However, the spirit is crisp and refreshing. As it opens up, a slight milky sweetness appears and it finishes extremely smooth with very little bite. A side by side comparison against several other top-shelf premium vodkas highlighted its extremely pure and unique taste, and it was the hands-down preference.

This is a fantastic vodka and at its $30-$35 price point, it’s an absolute steal compared to many other high-end, pricey spirits that are more widely available. It’s definitely worth picking up a bottle or two and would be best enjoyed over ice or in a cocktail that lets its delicate flavor shine, such as the Orchard Keeper, below.

Orchard Keeper

2 oz. Broken Shed Vodka
1 oz. Rothman and Winter Orchard Pear liqueur
½ oz. Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
½ oz. fresh lemon juice

Add vodka, pear liqueur, ginger liqueur and lemon juice to shaker with two ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe and garnish with a pear slice.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
 Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Summer 2025

Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Summer 2025

Welcome to Cocktails Quarterly - Drink Philly's newest segment showcasing the best bars (new and old) where you should be getting a drink...read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 5, 2025
Amá: Inside Look at Philly's Mexican Bar that Wants to Be More Than Just Margaritas

Amá: Inside Look at Philly's Mexican Bar that Wants to Be More Than Just Margaritas

Under the El on the corner of Front and Oxford is where you'll find this completely open-wall modern Mexican c...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jul 22, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
There's Now a Tiki Bar Overlooking the Delaware River in Philly

There's Now a Tiki Bar Overlooking the Delaware River in Philly

This summer Liberty Point welcomes River Tiki, a vibrant new 120-seat pop-up bar, to their upper level overlooking the waterfront...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Jul 1, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Behind the Bar: Jesse Andreozzi (aka Mr. Zero Proof) of Phony Negroni

Behind the Bar: Jesse Andreozzi (aka Mr. Zero Proof) of Phony Negroni

Since going completely alcohol-free four years ago, Jesse has become the go-to expert in Philadelphia on all t...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jun 3, 2025
Best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in Philadelphia

Best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in Philadelphia

With hot summer weather right around the corner, we wanted to highlight some of the best spots in Philly to enjoy a huge variety of tequilas and mezca...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 29, 2025
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2025

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2025

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2025
2025 Is a Breakout Year for Philadelphia's Bar Scene - Here's Why

2025 Is a Breakout Year for Philadelphia's Bar Scene - Here's Why

Philadelphia's thriving beverage industry is being lauded with several accolades...read more ›

by Alisha Miranda Apr 6, 2025
Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Celebrate spring in style this April with Philadelphia Distilling at Botanicals in Bloom - a secret garden spe...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 2, 2025
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close