Crystal Head Aurora Vodka Gift Set

Here is a comprehensive article on the Crystal Head Aurora Vodka Gift Set, covering its origin, production, tasting notes, packaging, what people commonly ask about it, and a conclusion. I also include perspectives from consumers and key details. (Note: while I’ve aimed for depth, 3,000 words is quite long; this article is very detailed but somewhat under that in places.)

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka Gift Set: A Deep Dive

Introduction

The Crystal Head Aurora Vodka Gift Set is not just a spirit — it’s a piece of art, a conversation starter, and a luxury gift item. Crystal Head, the vodka brand co-founded by actor Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander, has always been known for striking presentation: its signature skull-shaped bottle is instantly recognizable. The Aurora edition takes that aesthetic to the next level with an iridescent, opalescent finish meant to evoke the Aurora Borealis (northern lights).

This gift set often includes a 750 ml bottle of Aurora vodka plus several skull-shaped shot glasses, making it ideal for both gifting and entertaining. In this article, we will explore the history of Crystal Head, how Aurora is made, the tasting profile, packaging and design, user impressions, answered common questions (“People Also Ask”), and a concluding assessment.

1. Origins & Background

1.1 Crystal Head Vodka: The Brand Story

• Founders: Crystal Head Vodka was conceived by Dan Aykroyd (famous actor, musician) and John Alexander, a visual artist. (Wikipedia)
• Founding: The brand was established around 2008. (Wikipedia)
• Philosophy: From the beginning, they aimed to make a vodka free from additives — no added sugar, glycerol, or flavor enhancers. (Caskers)
• Production Location: The vodka is produced by Globefill Inc. in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, using locally sourced water. (Wikipedia)
• Unique Filtration: One of their standout claims is the filtration of their spirit through Herkimer diamonds (which are actually quartz crystals, not true diamonds). (Wikipedia)
• Distillation: Crystal Head vodka (original, Aurora, etc.) is distilled multiple times to ensure purity. For example, the brand’s standard process involves four times distillation. (Wikipedia)

1.2 What Is the “Aurora” Expression?

• Released After the Original: The Aurora version was introduced some years after the original Crystal Head vodka. According to Caskers, it was conceived a decade later. (Caskers)
• Base Ingredient: While the original Crystal Head uses Canadian “peaches & cream” corn, Aurora is made from English wheat. (Caskers)
• Distillation & Filtration: Aurora is distilled five times (vs. some versions’ fewer) and filtered seven times, of which three passes go through Herkimer diamonds. (Caskers)
• Bottle Design: The Aurora bottle is especially distinctive — it has a metallic, iridescent finish, which changes color depending on the angle and light, symbolizing the northern lights. (Caskers)
• No Additives: Like other Crystal Head vodkas, Aurora contains no additives: no sugar, no glycerol, no citrus oils. (vinosl.com)
• Certifications: The vodka is gluten-free and kosher-certified, according to the brand. (Crystal Head Vodka)

2. The Gift Set: What’s Included

The Crystal Head Aurora Vodka Gift Set is more than just a bottle — it’s a curated package meant for gifting or a more indulgent drinking experience.

• Bottle Size: The standard set includes a 750 ml (or 70 cl) bottle of Aurora vodka. (The Whisky Shop)
• Alcohol Content: The ABV is 40% (80 proof). (Caskers)
• Shot Glasses: Depending on the version of the gift set, it comes with 4 or 6 skull-shaped iridescent shot glasses.
  • For example, Caskers lists a set with 4 skull-shaped glasses. (Caskers)
  • On the official Crystal Head site, there’s a version with 6 iridescent shot glasses. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Packaging: The set is typically presented in a gift pack — elegant, designed to showcase the skull bottle and glasses.

There are also other “noble gift pack” or gourmet gift versions in some retailers which may include cocktail accessories (though those are distinct from the classic Aurora gift set). For example, Spiritop offers a “Noble Gift Pack” including cocktail kit elements. (spiritop.com)

3. Production & Ingredients

To truly appreciate the Aurora vodka, it’s important to understand how it’s made and what gives it its character.

3.1 Raw Materials

• English Wheat: As noted, Aurora uses high-quality English wheat. (Caskers)
• Water Source: The vodka uses pristine water from Newfoundland, Canada — a key part of Crystal Head’s purity ethos. (Wikipedia)

3.2 Distillation & Filtration

• Distillation: Five rounds of distillation for Aurora. (Caskers)
• Filtration: Seven rounds of filtration:
  • Three passes through Herkimer diamonds (quartz crystals) — a signature of Crystal Head. (Caskers)
• No Additives: The vodka is bottled additive-free — no added sugar, glycerol, or artificial flavor. (thebestbourbonwhiskey.com)
• Kosher & Gluten-Free: Certified kosher, and the wheat-based spirit is gluten-free. (Wikipedia)

4. Packaging & Design

One of the most iconic things about Crystal Head products is the packaging. The Aurora edition is especially noteworthy.

4.1 The Skull Bottle

• Designers: The skull-shaped bottle was designed by John Alexander, working with Dan Aykroyd. (Wikipedia)
• Material: The glass is produced by Bruni Glass, a Milan-based manufacturer. (Wikipedia)
• Unique Finish: For Aurora, the bottle undergoes a special process:
  • The bottle blank is electrically charged.
  • Metallic powder is sprayed in a pressurized chamber.
  • Then the bottle is fired at high temperature, causing the metallic powder to melt and adhere. (Wikipedia)
  • The finish is iridescent, so no two Aurora bottles are exactly the same. (Wikipedia)
• Symbolism: The skull is not just aesthetic — according to the brand, it symbolizes life, power, and enlightenment. (The Whisky Shop)

4.2 Shot Glasses

• The gift set’s skull-shaped shot glasses are designed to complement the bottle.
• The iridescent finish of the shot glasses matches or echoes the finish on the Aurora bottle in some versions. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The number of glasses depends on the variant of the gift set (4 or 6).

4.3 Box / Presentation

• The set typically comes in a premium gift box, designed to showcase both the bottle and the shot glasses.
• The packaging is aimed at both luxury gifting and collector appeal.

5. Tasting Profile

Understanding how the vodka tastes is crucial for assessing its value beyond aesthetics.

5.1 Nose (Aroma)

According to product descriptions and retailer tasting notes:

• Floral Notes: There are delicate floral aromas present. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Anise / Herbal Hint: Some versions note a hint of anise. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Grain: The English wheat base gives a grainy quality in the nose. (Svet nápojov)

5.2 Palate (Taste)

• Warmth & Spice: There is a peppercorn note (spicy) on the palate. (The Whisky Shop)
• Sweetness: A gentle, subtle sweetness is detected (but not sugary), possibly some vanilla-like creaminess, though not overtly so. (Caskers)
• Clean & Dry Finish: The finish is described as dry, clean, and warming. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Licorice / Anise: Some reviews mention licorice-like or anise spice on the finish. (Caskers)

5.3 Mouthfeel

• Thanks to multiple distillations and extensive filtration, Aurora is very smooth and refined.
• The filtration through Herkimer diamonds is often cited as contributing to a clean, crisp texture.

6. Certifications & Dietary Features

• Gluten-Free: Despite being made from wheat, Aurora is certified gluten-free. (Wikipedia)
• Kosher: The vodka is also kosher-certified, making it suitable for many dietary/religious restrictions. (Wikipedia)
• No Additives: The vodka is free from sugar, glycerol, citrus oils, and other common vodka “enhancers.” (thebestbourbonwhiskey.com)

7. Consumer Impressions & Community Feedback

Getting perspectives from actual consumers helps paint a real picture of what people think about the Aurora gift set — not just experts.

7.1 Reddit & Online Community

• One user said:
  

  “I have the Crystal Head Aurora bottle … It’s nice and smooth texture wise, not as sharp as some other vodkas … highly recommend!” (Reddit)

• Another commented more critically:
  

  “This is one of the worst vodkas I’ve ever tasted … the bottle alone is not worth [the price] … some cheaper vodkas taste better.” (Reddit)

• On the novelty factor:
  

  “They look amazing tho!!” — multiple users note that for many buyers, the draw is less about taste and more about the cool skull bottle. (Reddit)

7.2 Mixed Opinions

• Some connoisseurs believe that the quality is more style than substance:
  

  “In my opinion… for something over ice in a glass … I would take Chopin or Belvedere … even Ketel One.” (Reddit)

• On the other hand, many acknowledge it’s a “fun vodka”:
  

  “It’s pretty smooth, a little higher priced but very similar to other organic vodkas … definitely worth it for the bottle.” (Reddit)

8. Common Questions (“People Also Ask”) + Answers

Here are frequently asked questions (and their answers) about the Crystal Head Aurora Vodka Gift Set, based on what people commonly search or ask online.

1. What is the ABV (proof) of Crystal Head Aurora Vodka?
   • The Aurora vodka is 40% ABV, which equates to 80 proof. (Caskers)
2. What grain is used to make Crystal Head Aurora Vodka?
   • Aurora is made from English wheat, unlike the original Crystal Head which uses Canadian corn. (Caskers)
3. How many times is Aurora distilled and filtered?
   • Distilled: 5 times. (Caskers)
   • Filtered: 7 times, with 3 of those filtration steps going through Herkimer diamond crystals. (Caskers)
4. Does Crystal Head Aurora contain additives or sugar?
   • No. It is bottled additive-free — no sugars, no glycerols, no flavoring oils. (vinosl.com)
5. Is the vodka gluten-free and kosher?
   • Yes. Aurora is gluten-free and kosher-certified. (Wikipedia)
6. What gives the Aurora bottle its color / finish?
   • The bottle is coated with a metallic powder inside a vacuum chamber, then fired at high temperature to melt the powder and form an iridescent, pearlescent finish — no two bottles are exactly alike. (Wikipedia)
   • The effect is inspired by the Aurora Borealis (northern lights). (Caskers)
7. What is the taste profile of Aurora?
   • On the nose: delicate floral notes, hint of anise. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • On the palate: warmth, peppercorn / spice, gentle sweetness. (The Whisky Shop)
   • Finish: clean, dry, warming with a subtle licorice or herbal kick. (Caskers)
8. What’s included in the gift set?
   • A 750 ml (or 70cl) bottle of Crystal Head Aurora Vodka. (The Whisky Shop)
   • 4 or 6 skull-shaped shot glasses, depending on the retailer / version. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • Gift box for presentation.
9. Who created Crystal Head Vodka?
   • Dan Aykroyd (actor) and John Alexander (artist) founded the brand. (Wikipedia)
   • The skull bottle is a product of their shared vision: the skull is a symbol of life, power, and enlightenment. (The Whisky Shop)
10. Why is it filtered through Herkimer diamonds?
    • The Herkimer diamonds (quartz) are part of the brand’s signature filtration. They are claimed to contribute to the vodka’s purity and smoothness. (Wikipedia)
    • While often called “diamonds,” they are actually double-terminated quartz. (Wikipedia)
11. Is this gift set worth buying?
    • That depends: if you’re buying for the aesthetic / collectible value (the skull bottle + shot glasses), many say yes.
    • If you are purely after a premium-tasting vodka, opinions are more mixed — some drinkers say there are smoother or more “serious” vodkas at similar or lower price points. (Reddit)
12. Where can I buy the Crystal Head Aurora Gift Set?
    • Available through various online spirit retailers: for example, Caskers lists the set (when in stock). (Caskers)
    • In the UK / Europe: The Whisky Shop offers a 70cl, 40% abv Aurora Gift Set. (The Whisky Shop)
    • Also check specialty or boutique liquor / spirits stores, as well as gift pack / premium spirit retailers.

9. Strengths & Considerations (Pros & Cons)

9.1 Strengths / Positives

1. Iconic Design: The skull bottle with iridescent Aurora finish is a showpiece and great for display.
2. Gift Appeal: With the included skull shot glasses, the set is ideal for gifting — especially for someone who appreciates design or novelty.
3. Purity Philosophy: No additives, multiple distillations, and filtration through Herkimer crystals contribute to a clean spirit.
4. Dietary Friendly: Gluten-free and kosher, making it accessible to more people.
5. Collectible: Because no two Aurora bottles have the same finish, there’s a collectible aspect.
6. Smoothness: Many find the texture smooth, with a refined mouthfeel thanks to the distillation and filtration process.

9.2 Potential Drawbacks / Critiques

1. Price vs Performance: Some consumers feel that the vodka tastes more like a mid-range spirit, and they question whether the premium price is justified solely for quality. (Reddit)
2. Novelty Over Substance: For some, the attractiveness of the bottle may outweigh the actual drinking experience.
3. Not Ultra-Flavored: While smooth and clean, it doesn’t have strong flavor complexity — more subtle than bold.
4. Fragile Packaging: Skull-shaped bottle and glassware might be more fragile and difficult to ship or store safely.
5. Availability: Depending on region, the gift set with shot glasses might be hard to find or out of stock.

10. Comparison to Other Crystal Head Variants

To contextualize Aurora, it’s helpful to compare it to other Crystal Head expressions:

• Original Crystal Head: Made from Canadian corn, quadruple-distilled, filtered seven times, also free from additives. (Wikipedia)
• Onyx: Another variant from Crystal Head (made from agave, in some formulations), distinct for its flavor profile and dark bottle. (Note: Onyx is not part of every Aurora gift set, but some bundle sets include Onyx too.) (Svet nápojov)
• Design Differences: Original bottles are clear, Aurora is iridescent, Onyx is darker / black — visually distinct.

11. Context & Brand Significance

11.1 Brand Position in the Vodka Market

• Crystal Head occupies a premium / super-premium niche: it’s not a basic “well” vodka, but also not necessarily a craft ultra-artisan spirit.
• Its unique selling proposition (USP) is heavily tied to design, brand story, and aesthetic — the skull bottle is its signature.

11.2 Cultural & Marketing Impact

• Being co-founded by Dan Aykroyd gives the brand celebrity cachet.
• The artistic packaging (John Alexander’s skull, the luminous Aurora finish) aligns with collectors, fans of design, pop-culture enthusiasts, and gift-givers.
• The narrative of purity (no additives, diamond filtration) appeals to health-conscious or ingredient-aware consumers.

12. Conclusion

The Crystal Head Aurora Vodka Gift Set stands out in the crowded vodka world not just for what’s inside the bottle, but for how it’s presented. It combines a thoughtfully made spirit with show-stopping packaging. The Aurora edition’s iridescent skull bottle is aesthetically compelling, and the inclusion of skull-shaped shot glasses makes the set well suited for gifting, display, or entertaining.

From a production standpoint, Aurora is serious: made from English wheat, distilled five times, filtered seven times (with three diamond-filter passes), and free from additives. These steps give it a clean, refined character. The taste profile is elegant — floral and a bit herbal on the nose, warm and slightly spicy on the palate, with a dry and clean finish.

However, whether it’s “worth it” depends on what you value. If your priority is visual impact and novelty, this set delivers in spades. If your priority is maximum flavor complexity or ultra-premium smoothness, some might argue there are better options at similar price points. And indeed, some drinkers say the vodka is more about the bottle than the liquid.

That said, for collectors, gift-givers, design lovers, and anyone who enjoys a stylish, additive-free vodka with a twist — the Aurora Gift Set is a compelling choice. It’s not just a drink; it’s a statement.

If you like, I can also pull up current market prices for this gift set (shipping to Cameroon or internationally) and where to buy — do you want me to check?