Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Here’s a comprehensive article on Crystal Head Aurora Vodka, covering everything from its history, production, taste, packaging, and relevance — plus a “People Also Ask” section with common Google-style questions and answers, and a conclusion.

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka: A Deep Dive

Introduction

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka stands out in the crowded vodka market not just for its smooth spirit, but for its striking bottle design and meticulously crafted liquid. Conceived as a premium expression under the Crystal Head brand, Aurora celebrates the beauty of the aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) through both its ingredients and its presentation.

In this article, we’ll explore:

1. The origins and founding of Crystal Head
2. Why Aurora was created and how it differs from the original
3. Its production process, ingredients, and filtration
4. The bottle design and symbolism
5. Tasting profile (nose, palate, finish)
6. How to enjoy Aurora (serving suggestions & cocktails)
7. Awards and recognition
8. Market availability and pricing
9. Common questions (People Also Ask)
10. Reception and critiques
11. Pros & cons
12. Conclusion

1. Origins & Brand Background

Crystal Head Vodka was founded by actor Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander. (Wikipedia) The idea was to create a pure, additive-free vodka with a design that’s more than just functional — hence the skull bottle. (Wikipedia) The brand is produced by Globefill Inc. in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Wikipedia)

Crystal Head’s philosophy centers on purity and creativity. The vodka is free from common additives like glycerol, citrus oils, or sugars. (Cocktails and Bars) The iconic crystal skull bottle was designed by John Alexander, symbolizing “life, power, and enlightenment.” (Caskers)

2. Why Aurora Exists — The Story Behind the Expression

Aurora is a line extension introduced by Crystal Head, first announced in 2015 and launched in 2016. (Crystal Head Vodka) Rather than flavoring the vodka, the brand chose to change the base grain, using English wheat instead of the corn used in the original. (Beverage Industry)

According to the brand, Aurora offers a “drier, bolder, and spicier” profile, while still embodying Crystal Head’s commitment to clean, ultra-premium spirit. (Crystal Head Vodka) The name and the design of the bottle pay tribute to the aurora borealis, which inspired the iridescent metallized finish on the bottle — no two Aurora bottles are exactly the same. (Crystal Head Vodka)

3. Production, Ingredients & Filtration

3.1 Ingredients

• Grain: High-quality English wheat, sourced from North Yorkshire. (Beverage Industry)
• Water: Pristine water from Newfoundland, Canada, used to dilute the spirit to bottling strength. (Shaw Ross International Importers)
• Additives: None — Crystal Head emphasizes that Aurora is additive-free. (Fortitude Spirits Group)

3.2 Distillation & Filtration

• Distillation: The vodka is distilled five times, a step beyond the four distillations typical in the original Crystal Head expression. (Beverage Industry)
• Filtration: It undergoes seven rounds of filtration. (Crystal Head Vodka)
  • Notably, three of those filtration passes go through Herkimer diamonds (which are actually a variety of quartz, not true diamonds). (Beverage Industry)
  • Additional filtration steps (e.g., charcoal, microfiltration) have been reported in trade sources. (Beverage Industry)

These rigorous steps ensure a very clean, pure spirit with minimal impurities.

4. Bottle Design & Symbolism

One of the most striking things about Crystal Head Aurora is its bottle:

• The skull shape is the same iconic form used across all Crystal Head vodkas, designed by John Alexander. (Wikipedia)
• For Aurora, the bottle has a delicate, iridescent metallized finish that evokes the Northern Lights (aurora borealis). (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The finishing process involves a special electrostatic / metallization technique: a pressurized chamber, metallic powder, and a high-heat “firing” step to bond the finish to the glass. (Wikipedia)
• Because of how this is done, no two Aurora bottles are identical. (Shaw Ross International Importers)
• The visual design is not only attractive, but symbolic: it reflects natural beauty, uniqueness, and the mystique of the sky.

5. Tasting Profile — Aroma, Palate & Finish

5.1 Aroma (Nose)

Crystal Head describes the aroma of Aurora as crisp, with delicate floral notes and a subtle hint of anise. (Crystal Head Vodka) Drink reviewers echo this, noting a clean, slightly herbaceous nose with floral and spice undertones. (Cocktails and Bars)

Falstaff’s tasting gave it 93 points, citing “greenish hints of tart apple and verjuice,” along with a slightly salty component. (Falstaff)

5.2 Palate (Taste)

On the palate, Aurora is described as warm, with strong peppercorn notes and a touch of sweetness. (Shaw Ross International Importers) The use of English wheat (rather than corn) gives it a drier and spicier character compared to the original. (Crystal Head Vodka) Some reviewers also pick up a light citrus zest note. (My Store)

5.3 Finish

The finish is dry, clean, and warming. (Crystal Head Vodka) There is a lingering minerality and gentle spice that stays with you, making it a vodka that’s quite different from more neutral or sweet vodkas. (My Store)

6. How to Enjoy Crystal Head Aurora

6.1 Serving Suggestions

• Neat: Aurora’s clean and refined profile makes it great for sipping on its own. Its warming finish is well-suited for neat tasting, especially at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• On the Rocks: A few ice cubes can open up the peppery spice and soften the finish without watering it down too much.
• In Cocktails: Its dryness and clarity make it a versatile base spirit.
  • It pairs well with citrus-based cocktails, given its subtle sweetness and floral notes. (Shaw Ross International Importers)
  • You could use it in a vodka martini, letting its character shine through.
  • For something more creative: think of a “Northern Lights” cocktail — perhaps vodka, a splash of elderflower liqueur, lemon, and soda or sparkling water, to evoke the brilliance of the aurora.

7. Awards & Recognition

• San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2016): Crystal Head Aurora won a Gold Medal. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• This award underscores that the spirit inside is not just for show — it’s technically accomplished and recognized by experts.

8. Market Position, Availability & Pricing

8.1 Market & Brand Position

• Aurora is positioned as an ultra-premium vodka under the Crystal Head brand. (Fortitude Spirits Group)
• It’s a “line extension” rather than a flavored vodka — focused on grain choice and purity, not added flavors. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Its bottle is collectible; many buyers get it for both its aesthetic and its spirit.

8.2 Pricing & Availability

• According to Caskers, a 750 ml bottle of Aurora is priced around US$65.99. (Caskers)
• According to a French retailer (Heritage Whisky), a 700 ml bottle is ~€66.90. (Heritage Whisky)
• The alcohol content is 40% ABV (80 proof), standard for many vodkas. (Amber Beverage Australia)
• Size variants: Fortitude Spirits lists Aurora in 50 ml, 700 ml, 1.75 L, and 3 L bottles. (Fortitude Spirits Group)

9. Common Questions (“People Also Ask”)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crystal Head Aurora Vodka, with concise answers based on reliable sources.

1. What is Crystal Head Aurora Vodka?
   • Aurora is a premium expression of Crystal Head Vodka, crafted from English wheat, distilled five times, filtered seven times (three through Herkimer diamonds), and bottled in a skull with an iridescent finish inspired by the Northern Lights. (Crystal Head Vodka)
2. Who makes Crystal Head Aurora?
   • Made by Globefill Inc. in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Wikipedia) It’s a product of the Crystal Head brand, co-founded by Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander. (Crystal Head Vodka)
3. What is the ABV / proof of Aurora vodka?
   • 40% ABV (80 proof). (Amber Beverage Australia)
4. What grain is used in Crystal Head Aurora?
   • English wheat, not corn. (Beverage Industry)
5. How is Aurora vodka filtered?
   • Seven filtration steps, including three passes through Herkimer diamonds (quartz crystals). (Beverage Industry)
6. Does Aurora have any additives?
   • No — the vodka is additive-free (no sugar, no glycerol, no citrus oils). (Fortitude Spirits Group)
7. What does Crystal Head Aurora taste like?
   • Nose: crisp floral aromas, hint of anise (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • Palate: warm, peppercorn spice, gentle sweetness (Beverage Industry)
   • Finish: dry, clean, with a warming sensation (Shaw Ross International Importers)
8. Is Aurora vodka gluten-free / kosher?
   • Crystal Head Vodka (in general) is certified gluten-free. (Wikipedia)
   • (Note: always check the bottle or certification in your region, but this is consistent for the brand.)
9. What makes the Aurora bottle special?
   • Its iridescent metallized finish is made via a special electrostatic / metallic powder process, giving each bottle a unique look — like the Aurora Borealis. (Wikipedia)
   • The design is both artistic and symbolic, representing natural beauty and uniqueness. (Falstaff)
10. Has Aurora won any awards?
    • Yes — it won a Gold Medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. (Crystal Head Vodka)

10. Reception, Critique & Community Feedback

10.1 Professional / Industry Feedback

• Falstaff rated Aurora at 93 points, noting its “fine, spicy notes” and “animating freshness” in the finish. (Falstaff)
• According to Cocktails & Bars, when Dan Aykroyd launched Aurora, he emphasized his goal to create vodka as a “blank canvas” for bartenders rather than producing flavored variants. (Cocktails and Bars)
• Shaw Ross International recommends pairing Aurora with citrus cocktails, as well as light seafood dishes, soft cheeses, and spicy foods. (Shaw Ross International Importers)

10.2 Consumer / Community Feedback

• On Reddit, opinions are mixed:
  

  “A bartender told me that both the Aurora & the plain has the same taste … I cannot see paying that much just for a bottle …” (Reddit)

• Others appreciate the design and texture:
  

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

• Some critics dispute the point of diamond filtration, calling it “useless marketing” or overpriced for the actual taste. (Reddit)

11. Strengths & Potential Drawbacks

11.1 Strengths

• Unique Aesthetic: The iridescent skull bottle is visually stunning and collectible.
• Clean, Pure Spirit: No additives, plus rigorous distillation and filtration, means high purity.
• Craftsmanship: Five distillations and several filtration steps (including through Herkimer quartz) ensure a refined profile.
• Award-Winning: Proven quality with a gold medal; not just a “gimmick bottle.”
• Versatility: Good for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails.
• Brand Credibility: Backed by Dan Aykroyd and a serious philosophy of craft + design.

11.2 Drawbacks / Criticisms

• Price Premium: For some, you’re paying more for the design than for dramatically better liquid.
• Bottle as Novelty: Some consumers buy it more for the bottle than the vodka.
• Marketing vs Substance: Critiques around “diamond filtration” as a marketing tactic rather than a real flavor modifier.
• Limited Differentiation: Some say Aurora tastes very similar to Crystal Head’s original (depending on the taster).
• Fragile / Bulky Bottle: Skull design is elegant but may not be as practical to store or transport as standard bottles.

12. Conclusion

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka is more than just a pretty bottle — it’s a thoughtfully crafted spirit that brings together artistry, craftsmanship, and purity. With its English-wheat base, multiple distillations, and diamond (quartz) filtration, Aurora is designed to be a refined, premium vodka.

Its iridescent, skull-shaped bottle, inspired by the Northern Lights, makes it a collectible centerpiece, while the liquid inside holds its own with a crisp floral nose, warm peppery palate, and clean finish.

For those who value design, presentation, and a vodka that’s as much a conversation piece as a drink, Aurora is a compelling choice. It’s elegant enough to serve neat, sophisticated enough for a dry martini, and visually striking enough to merit display.

That said, its value proposition depends on what you prioritize: If you’re after maximum flavor complexity or the absolute lowest price per quality, there may be other vodkas to consider. But if you appreciate craftsmanship, uniqueness, and a spirit that walks the line between art and drink — Crystal Head Aurora delivers.