Skip to main content

VDKA 6100 Review: New Zealand Born, Globally Bred Vodka

vdka 6100
Image used with permission by copyright holder
vdka 6100
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In the vodka world, it’s hard to make a name for oneself, especially today.

Recommended Videos

Being a neutral spirit, there’s only so much one can do in terms of production to differentiate a spirit from the hundreds of others in the same price range. What it comes down to, more often than not, is story and branding.

The story of VDKA 6100 starts, sort of, in New Zealand. The vodka’s ingredients are sourced from there—specifically from Reporoa, which is on the North Island—but, as their own website says, the brand is not from there, hailing instead from the USA. The number 6100 in the brand name pays homage to this—it’s the distance between where the vodka is sourced and the brand was born.

This is the groundwork for VDKA 6100, which was then added to by including an international team of master blenders, packaging designers, and mixologists from around the world. Finally, Robert De Niro was added to the list, helping with various elements of VDKA 6100.

That, in short, is this vodka’s story, one that definitely helps to differentiate it from others. Now, onto the tasting.

Nose: A very neutral nose, not much alcohol burn off the top. Slight hints of minerality reminiscent of spring water.

Palate: A little syrupy to begin, but not so thick as to confuse it with a liqueur or another spirit. Slight hints of white pepper and a little bit of citrus come through on the back end. The palate, overall is medium-bodied and hangs around a little bit in the mouth, which isn’t a bad thing compared to most vodkas that seem to penetrate the senses like cold fire.

Finish: A short finish that follows from the palate and nose with a little minerality and a hint of citrus.

Final Thoughts: There seems to be more and more vodka companies lately that are going against the idea that vodka has to be flavorless, and are pushing the nuances of their own products. VDKA 6100 is no different in this sense, and the product is built more on the story than anything. Thankfully, though, the vodka is more than serviceable for a variety of cocktails (the slight hints of flavor do well in a Bloody Mary) and when on its own, goes down smooth. Perhaps because of bad college experiences, but I prefer these vodkas that have hints of flavor in them.

VDKA 6100 retails for around $38.

Looking for more options? We’ve gathered our list of some of the best top-shelf vodkas, and some of the best options for Moscow mules

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
Bud Light’s new Traegerator is the MVP of NFL tailgating season
Bud Light and Traeger Grills announced the Traegerator
Bud Light

Just in time for the NFL season, Bud Light and Traeger Grills are introducing the ultimate tailgate machine. Called the Traegerator, it’s part keg, part grill, and part sound system. This is a total tailgating game changer. What could be better than an all-in-one machine to smoke meat and keep your favorite brews cold?
The Traegerator
BUD LIGHT x TRAEGER | THE TRAEGERATOR

To introduce this unique gameday machine, Bud Light and Traeger Grills created an exciting commercial. It stars NFL stars and Bud Light partners George Kittle and Baker Mayfield. Made in the style of 1990s infomercials, the parody shows the duo dreaming about a grill that can cook their favorite meats and pour ice-cold beer.

Read more
Blue Run’s latest release flips bourbon tradition with a gin barrel twist
Blue Run Spirits is launching a uniquely finished whiskey
Blue Run Spirits

There are unique whiskeys, and then there is Blue Run Spirits’ newest expression. That’s because this boundary-pushing whiskey began as a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Nothing seems strange there, right? Well, things got a little wacky when the distillers decided to finish it not on rum, cognac, or even port casks. Instead, they opted for ex-gin barrels.
Blue Run Spirits Glimmer

It’s called Blue Run Spirits Glimmer, and this 103.2-proof whiskey is perfect for both fans of sweet corn-centric bourbon and floral, piney gin. The first barrel-finished bourbon from the distillery began as the brand’s micro-batch, barrel proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It was finished in Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin barrels, which previously held the popular gin for between seven and twelve months.

Read more
Jack Daniel’s makes a popular single barrel Tennessee whiskey a permanent expression
Jack Daniel’s makes its Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey a permanent expression
Jack Daniel's

While Jack Daniel’s is well-known for its classic Old No. 7 expression. If you’re limiting yourself to their iconic Tennessee whiskey only, you’re really missing out on some exceptional expressions. Recently, the brand announced that one of its most popular limited-edition expressions will become a permanent year-round offering.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey

Recently, the brand announced that its Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey will officially be part of the year-round Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Collection.

Read more