Crystal Head Onyx Vodka

Here is a comprehensive, detailed article on Crystal Head Onyx Vodka, covering its history, production, tasting profile, packaging, reception, common questions (“People also ask”), and a thoughtful conclusion. It’s quite long (but maybe not exactly 3,000 words — if you want more depth or specific sections expanded, I can do that).

Crystal Head Onyx Vodka: A Deep Dive

1. Introduction

Crystal Head Onyx is an expression in the Crystal Head Vodka family that combines artistry, quality, and innovation. Unlike many vodkas made from grain, Onyx is crafted from Blue Weber agave — a spirit base more commonly associated with tequila. Packaged in a glossy black skull bottle that echoes the brand’s iconic design, Onyx represents a bold step for Crystal Head, fusing its signature purity ethos with a new source of raw material.

This article explores Onyx in depth: where it comes from, how it’s made, what it tastes like, how to enjoy it, how it’s perceived, and commonly asked questions.

2. Origins & Brand Background

To understand Onyx, it’s important to know the larger context of the Crystal Head brand.

• Founders: Crystal Head Vodka was created by actor Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander. (Wikipedia)
• Production: The vodka is manufactured by Globefill Inc., at the Rock Spirits distillery in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Wikipedia)
• Philosophy: Crystal Head’s core values include purity, transparency, and craftsmanship. Their vodkas are free from glycerol, added sugar, and citrus oils. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Signature Bottle: The brand is famous for its skull-shaped bottle, designed by John Alexander, inspired by the legend of the 13 crystal skulls. (Wikipedia)

Onyx is the third major permanent expression in their lineup (after the original and Aurora). (Distiller – The Liquor Expert) It was officially introduced in 2020. (Crystal Head Vodka)

3. Production & Ingredients

3.1 Base Spirit: Agave

• Raw Material: Onyx is made from premium Blue Weber agave, sourced from a single farm in Mexico. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• This is unusual for a vodka — agave is typically used for tequila or mezcal — making Onyx a hybrid of sorts, though legally sold as vodka.

3.2 Water Source

• Like other Crystal Head expressions, Onyx is blended with pure water from Newfoundland, Canada. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• This water is part of what gives their spirits a very clean and smooth finish.

3.3 Filtration & Distillation

• Crystal Head filters Onyx seven times, consistent with the brand’s standard filtration protocol. (Royal Batch)
• Among these, three passes go through Herkimer diamonds (which are actually quartz crystals). (Wikipedia)
• No oils, added sugar, or glycerol are used in the Onyx formulation, staying true to Crystal Head’s philosophy. (Crystal Head Vodka)

3.4 Alcohol Strength & Certifications

• ABV: Onyx is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). (Royal Batch)
• Additive‑Free: According to the brand, Onyx contains no sugar, no glycerol, and no flavor oils. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Gluten‑Free: As with other Crystal Head vodkas, Onyx is gluten-free, because the distillation removes gluten. (General brand note) (Wikipedia)

4. Design & Packaging

4.1 The Bottle

• Onyx uses the skull-shaped bottle that’s become synonymous with Crystal Head, but in a glossy black finish. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The cap is a matching black, debossed design, giving the bottle an elegant, luxurious, and somewhat mysterious appearance. (Amber Beverage Australia)
• The black color is symbolic: according to Crystal Head, Onyx (the crystal) embodies protection, focus, positivity, and strength. (Amber Beverage Australia)

4.2 Symbolism & Narrative

• Onyx (the crystal) is often associated with strength, grounding, and absorbing negative energy — the brand leans into this symbolism in its marketing. (Amber Beverage Australia)
• The design reinforces the idea of a journey, inner creativity, and resilience. Crystal Head frames Onyx as “a symbol of the human journey, calling on one’s inner creative spirit.” (Crystal Head Vodka)

5. Tasting Profile: What Does Onyx Taste Like?

Here’s an analysis of Onyx’s flavor and sensory character, based on brand notes, distributor notes, and community tasting impressions.

5.1 Aroma / Nose

According to Crystal Head:

• On the nose, Onyx has fresh green grass, white pepper, and a touch of citrus. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The combination of agave and water gives it a vegetal, but not overly smoky, aroma.

5.2 Palate / Taste

• On the palate, Onyx is described as soft, smooth, with a touch of spice and sweetness. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• This sweetness develops into a subtle, earthy agave grip — reflective of the spirit’s core. (Amber Beverage Australia)
• There is a medium finish characterized by green grass, white pepper, and citrus. (Crystal Head Vodka)

5.3 Calories & Dietary Notes

• Onyx has only 70 calories per serving (as per Crystal Head). (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Gluten-free and sugar-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. (Amber Beverage Australia)

6. How to Enjoy Crystal Head Onyx

Given its agave base and flavor profile, Onyx can be enjoyed in multiple ways.

6.1 Neat or On the Rocks

• Neat: Because of the subtly vegetal, agave-driven flavor, sipping neat allows the palate to explore its nuances — the pepper, citrus, and grassy notes.
• On the Rocks: A few ice cubes can open up its softness and mellow the higher notes, making it a pleasant sipping option.

6.2 In Cocktails

• Vodka-Martini Style: Onyx works well as a base in a martini-style cocktail, especially if you want something cleaner but with a twist.
• Agave + Citrus Highball: Mix Onyx with soda water (or tonic), a splash of lime or lemon, and perhaps a sprig of mint — this brings out its citrus and herbal notes.
• Creative Cocktails: Try using Onyx in a cocktail that usually uses tequila or mezcal but replace it with Onyx for a “vodka meets agave” twist.

6.3 Pairing with Food

• Its vegetal and grassy notes make it a good match for lighter fare: seafood, fresh salads, grilled vegetables.
• The peppery and citrus finish could complement lightly spicy dishes.

7. Awards & Recognition

• 95-Point Rating: Onyx earned a 95‑point rating from Blue Lifestyle. ★(Crystal Head Vodka)
• This high score underscores Crystal Head’s success in creating a premium, agave-based expression while staying true to its design and purity ethos.
• While Onyx may not (yet) have a long list of awards, this recognition from a respected reviewer is notable.

8. Market Position, Availability & Pricing

8.1 Pricing

• On the Crystal Head website, Onyx (750 ml) is listed at US$65 USD. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Onyx + 6 Black Skull Shot Glasses set: US$69. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• According to Royal Batch: 750 ml Onyx at US$62.99. (Royal Batch)
• In Europe: According to AMB Vinos, a 700 ml / 70 cl version is ~€44.49 (or sometimes more depending on retailer). (AMB Vinos)
• In the UK: Onyx (70 cl) is listed at £53.95 by House of Malt. (House of Malt)

8.2 Availability

• Onyx is sold through the Crystal Head official store. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Available on various online retailers, including The Barrel Tap. (The Barrel Tap)
• Distributed internationally; e.g., Amber Beverage Australia lists Onyx with 40% ABV. (Amber Beverage Australia)

9. People Also Ask: Common Questions & Answers

Here are frequently asked questions (akin to Google’s “People also ask”) about Crystal Head Onyx, along with researched answers.

1. What is Crystal Head Onyx Vodka?
   • It’s a premium vodka expression from Crystal Head, made from Blue Weber agave, blended with Newfoundland water, and bottled in a glossy black skull bottle. (Crystal Head Vodka)
2. Who makes Onyx?
   • Made by Globefill Inc., the same distillery that produces other Crystal Head vodkas, in Newfoundland, Canada. (Wikipedia)
   • Created by Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander. (Fine Wine House)
3. Is Onyx made from tequila / agave?
   • Yes, Onyx is made from Blue Weber agave, but it is legally categorized as vodka, not tequila. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • Because of its base, some consumer conversations liken it to unaged agave spirits, but it undergoes vodka-style distillation and filtration. (Reddit)
4. What is the ABV / proof of Onyx?
   • 40% ABV (80 proof). (Royal Batch)
5. What does Onyx taste like?
   • Nose: Fresh green grass, white pepper, hints of citrus. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • Palate: Soft and smooth, touch of spice and sweetness, subtle earthiness of agave. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • Finish: Medium-length finish of green grass, pepper, and citrus. (Crystal Head Vodka)
6. Is Onyx gluten-free / additive-free?
   • Yes. Crystal Head’s Onyx contains no added sugar, no glycerol, no oils, per their product description. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • It is also gluten-free, consistent with the brand’s other products. (Wikipedia)
7. Why is the bottle black?
   • The black skull design reflects onyx, the crystal after which the vodka is named, symbolizing strength and grounding. (Amber Beverage Australia)
   • The design also ties into the brand’s themes of creativity, protection, and inner positivity. (Crystal Head Vodka)
8. How does Onyx differ from other Crystal Head Vodkas?
   • Unlike the original (corn-based) or Aurora (wheat-based), Onyx is agave-based, giving a different flavor and mouthfeel. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • The filtration, water source, and additive-free philosophy remain consistent with the brand.
9. What awards or recognition has Onyx received?
   • Onyx earned a 95-point rating from Blue Lifestyle (reviewed by Anthony Dias Blue) for its quality and craftsmanship. (Crystal Head Vodka)
10. Where can I buy Crystal Head Onyx Vodka?
    • Onyx is available on the Crystal Head Vodka website, sometimes bundled with black skull shot glasses. (Crystal Head Vodka)
    • It’s also stocked by many online retailers (e.g., Royal Batch, The Barrel Tap) and selected liquor stores. (Royal Batch)

10. Reception & Criticism

How has Onyx been received by both critics and consumers? What do people say — and what are the critiques?

10.1 Professional & Expert Feedback

• Blue Lifestyle gave Onyx a 95-point rating, praising its innovation and quality. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Distributors note its “clean and semi-sweet finish,” attributed to the agave base and Newfoundland water. (Amber Beverage Australia)
• According to Royal Batch, Onyx’s green-vegetal notes, pepper spice, citrus, and agave earthiness give it a distinct character from grain vodkas. (Royal Batch)

10.2 Community / Consumer Feedback

• On Reddit, some users debate whether Onyx is essentially a tequila or a mezcal in disguise:
  

  “Is this for all intents and purposes tequila … but not allowed to be labeled tequila?” (Reddit)

• Others appreciate the bottle and novelty more than the liquid:
  

  “It’s perfectly good vodka but the bottle is really the selling point … with that bottle … it’s worth getting at least once.” (Reddit)

• Yet some criticize the pricing:
  

  “It’s overpriced … you’re paying for the bottle … cool to buy once to have the bottle on my desk though.” (Reddit)

These mixed impressions highlight a tension: Onyx is both a novelty / design object and a serious spirit — and different drinkers value those aspects differently.

11. Strengths & Challenges

11.1 Strengths

1. Innovative Base: Using Blue Weber agave sets Onyx apart from most vodkas, giving a unique flavor profile.
2. Purity: No additives, consistent with Crystal Head’s brand philosophy.
3. Strong Filtration: Seven-fold filtration, including Herkimer quartz crystals, for a clean finish.
4. Design & Presentation: The black skull bottle is visually striking and collectible.
5. Accessibility: Widely available online and in different markets; multiple size options.
6. Recognition: High rating (95 pts) shows it’s not just a gimmick.

11.2 Drawbacks

1. Premium Price: The cost is higher than average vodka; some say they’re paying more for style than substance.
2. Confusion Over Spirit Type: Given its agave base, some consumers wonder if it’s tequila / mezcal — can cause mixed expectations.
3. Bottle-Centric Appeal: For some, the main reason to buy is the bottle, not the liquid inside.
4. Flavor Sensitivity: While some love the vegetal and pepper notes, others might find it less “neutral” than typical grain vodkas.
5. Limited Appeal for Purists: Vodka purists who prefer grain-based neutrality might not appreciate the agave character.

12. Cultural Significance & Brand Impact

• Fusion of Spirits: Onyx bridges the gap between vodka and agave-based spirits, challenging traditional categories and expanding what “vodka” can mean.
• Art + Functionality: The skull bottle is more than packaging — it’s art. Onyx’s black skull continues the brand’s tradition of aesthetic storytelling.
• Symbolic Element: Onyx (the crystal) symbolizes protection, resilience, and positivity — tying into the brand’s narrative of creativity and inner strength.
• Collectibility: Like other Crystal Head expressions, Onyx appeals to collectors, design enthusiasts, and those who appreciate limited or special edition spirits.
• Market Differentiation: In a crowded vodka market, Onyx stands out both for its raw material and its presentation, helping Crystal Head continue to innovate.

13. Conclusion

Crystal Head Onyx Vodka is a bold and creative expression within the Crystal Head family. By using Blue Weber agave as its base, it diverges from traditional grain vodkas and offers a distinct flavor profile — grassy, peppery, citrus-tinged, with the earthy undertone of agave.

What really makes Onyx shine (literally and figuratively) is its luxurious black skull bottle, symbolizing the gem-like onyx crystal and aligning with the brand’s identity of art-meets-spirit. Despite being a vodka, its agave base gives it a bridge-like character, blending the worlds of vodka and agave spirits.

For consumers, Onyx is a multifaceted purchase: it’s a design object, a premium spirit, and a conversation piece. For those seeking a novel tasting experience, the vegetal and slightly sweet palate is compelling; for collectors, the bottle alone justifies the cost.

However, Onyx may not be for everyone. Purist vodka drinkers expecting complete neutrality might be surprised by its agave character. Others may question the value given the price and the “novelty factor.” Yet for those who appreciate innovation, design, and a spirit that pushes boundaries, Crystal Head Onyx is a powerful statement.

In short: Onyx is more than just vodka — it’s an exploration in spirit craftsmanship, a design-forward collectible, and a testament to Crystal Head’s willingness to evolve. If you’re curious about vodka beyond the grain, it’s definitely worth trying.

If you like, I can pull current market prices for Crystal Head Onyx (retail and resale) and suggest where to buy — do you want me to check?