Vdka 6100

“You talk’in to me?” Yes … I’m telling you to try VDKA 6100, Robert De Niro’s wonderfully unique whey vodka from New Zealand.

VDKA 6100 is the brainchild of Australian Casino owner James Packer and the famous actor Robert De Niro. Mr. De Niro is an investor is many high-end restaurants and is an avid drinker of martinis, so creating a new Vodka … it just seems right.

VDKA 6100 released their first bottling just last year in 2014 and demand was high. They announced the launch of the company at the TRIBECA Film Festival and this beautifully-bottled beverage has become the official Vodka of the event.

Since Vodka is distilled down until nearly pure, it can be made from almost any fermentable sugar base. Most of the time this is wheat, corn, grapes, and famously potatoes. But every once in a while someone comes along with a unique set of ingredients. Even though highly refined, the discerning palate can detect important differences in base material and process that separate the winners from the also-rans.

VDKA 6100 is made from amazingly clear New Zealand spring water and whey—a by-product of milk production—derived from organic, grass-fed, New Zealand dairy cows. Only a handful of distillers use whey to make Vodka, but none on the scale of VDKA 6100. And you know what? It makes a difference (and makes it gluten-free). You can sense the difference in taste, mouth-feel, and finish. The clean lemony nose and exceptionally dry finish on this Vodka make it perfect for the classic vodka Martini with sweet vermouth and a hint of lemon peel.