Crystal Head Vodka

Below is a comprehensive, in-depth article on Crystal Head Vodka — covering its origin & history, production, design, variants, tasting profile, how to enjoy it, its reception, common questions (the “People Also Ask”), and a conclusion. This is a long-form piece to give you a deep understanding. (Note: I can’t embed copyrighted pictures directly, but I’ll describe visuals, and you can easily find images via the official Crystal Head site or media sources.)

Crystal Head Vodka: A Comprehensive Exploration

1. Introduction

Crystal Head Vodka is one of the most visually striking and conceptually unique vodkas in the global market. Distinguished by its skull-shaped bottle, it’s not just a spirit — it’s a piece of design, a symbol, and a statement of purity. Created by Dan Aykroyd (actor, comedian) and John Alexander (artist), Crystal Head was born from a passion for both creativity and craftsmanship.

What truly sets it apart is its additive-free formula, its unusual filtration process (including semi-precious crystals), and its commitment to quality ingredients. This article digs deep into everything that makes Crystal Head Vodka special — and also explores its limitations or criticisms.

2. Origins & History

2.1 Founders: Dan Aykroyd & John Alexander

• Crystal Head Vodka was conceived in 2007–2008 by Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander. (Wikipedia)
• Aykroyd, known for his roles in Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers, was keen to create a vodka that was pure: no additives, no hidden ingredients. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Alexander, a visual artist, designed the iconic skull bottle, drawing inspiration from the ancient legend of the 13 crystal skulls, which are said to hold mystical properties in various cultures. (Deeth Williams Wall)
• According to their story, Aykroyd and Alexander saw the skull as a symbol of “life, power, and enlightenment.” (Crystal Head Vodka)

2.2 Launch & Early Years

• Crystal Head officially launched in 2008. (Wikipedia)
• The vodka is produced by Globefill Inc., at the Rock Spirits distillery in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, using locally sourced water. (WikiMD)
• In its early years, Crystal Head was marketed as a premium “clean” vodka — no added sugar, glycerol, or oils – a blank canvas for connoisseurs and cocktail lovers. (Crystal Skulls)
• The brand gained traction quickly. By May 2011, 21,000 bottles were reported stolen from a warehouse in Southern California — a sign of high demand (and high cult appeal). (Wikipedia)
• Notably, by May 2013, Aykroyd was spending significant time promoting the brand through appearances, signings, and tours. (Wikipedia)
• In 2013, Crystal Head was the official vodka of The Rolling Stones’ 50th Anniversary Tour, raising its visibility in pop and rock culture. (Wikipedia)
• A major milestone came when they sold their one millionth bottle, reported in 2011. (PR Newswire)

3. Production, Ingredients & Filtration

A big part of Crystal Head’s appeal is its production method — built around purity, minimalism, and a somewhat mystical filtration system.

3.1 Base Ingredients

• The original Crystal Head Vodka is made from “Peaches & Cream” Canadian corn, sourced from Ontario. (Wikipedia)
• The brand emphasizes no additives: no glycerol, no citrus oils, no sugar. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The spirit is blended with pristine water from Newfoundland. Their distillery sits in a region known for clean, glacial aquifer-sourced water. (Fareham Wine Cellar)

3.2 Distillation

• Crystal Head is quadruple-distilled (i.e., distilled four times) to achieve a very neutral grain spirit. (Wikipedia)
• After distillation, the raw spirit (at high ABV) is reduced to 40% ABV (80 proof) using Newfoundland water. (Wikipedia)

3.3 Filtration: The Herkimer Diamonds

• The vodka is filtered seven times in total. (Wikipedia)
• The final three passes are filtered through Herkimer diamonds, which are actually a type of quartz crystal (not true diamonds). (Crystal Head Vodka)
• According to Crystal Head, this filtration helps remove residual impurities. Taste-testers reportedly prefer the version filtered through Herkimer crystals: many describe it as smoother. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The brand doesn’t make health claims about the crystals; they just say filter improves smoothness and flavor. (Crystal Head Vodka)

3.4 Certifications

• The vodka is kosher-certified. (Wikipedia)
• It’s also gluten-free, despite being grain-based, because the distillation removes gluten. (Wikipedia)

4. Bottle Design & Symbolism

One of the most talked-about aspects of Crystal Head Vodka is its skull-shaped bottle. This is not just gimmick: it has deep symbolic and design roots.

4.1 The Skull Concept

• The skull design was created by John Alexander, co-founder and artist. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The inspiration comes from legends of the 13 crystal skulls, which are part of various mythologies (Aztec, Mayan, Navajo) and thought by some to hold spiritual power. (Deeth Williams Wall)
• The skull is meant to represent life, power, and enlightenment. (Crystal Head Vodka)

4.2 Manufacturing the Bottle

• The bottle is made by Bruni Glass, a renowned Milan-based glass company. (Master of Malt)
• According to the brand, the glass is extremely high quality; some art-glass elements are used to give it clarity and physical beauty. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The skull bottle is not just decorative — it’s a signature of the brand’s identity and is often collected. (Deeth Williams Wall)

4.3 Intellectual & Cultural Symbolism

• The skull design is also a nod to the mystical legend of the crystal skulls — giving the brand a mythological, almost esoteric dimension. (Deeth Williams Wall)
• Alexander and Aykroyd’s design embeds a layer of meaning: enlightenment, mystery, and exploration of the unknown. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The bottle has become iconic in design circles and is frequently discussed as a piece of functional art. (Deeth Williams Wall)

5. Variants / Expressions

Crystal Head Vodka isn’t just one product — over time, the brand has expanded to offer new expressions while maintaining its core philosophy of purity and design. (Crystal Head Vodka) Here are the main variants:

1. Original Crystal Head
   • The flagship expression. Made from Canadian peaches & cream corn, quadruple distilled, seven‑fold filtered (three via Herkimer crystals). (Wikipedia)
   • Bottled at 40% ABV. (BBC Spirits)
   • No additives. (Crystal Head Vodka)
2. Crystal Head Aurora
   • Made from English wheat, giving a different flavor profile. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • Same purification philosophy (distillation + Herkimer filtration). According to the brand, it is “drier, bolder, spicier.” (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • The bottle has an opalescent / iridescent metallized finish, a direct visual reference to the aurora borealis. (Wikipedia)
3. Crystal Head Onyx
   • A relatively newer expression. It is made from blue Weber agave, rather than grain. (Wikipedia)
   • It retains the purity ethos — no additives, same spirit of innovation. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • The bottle is black or dark (“Onyx”), visually distinct from the clear skull of the original. (Wikipedia)

These variants allow Crystal Head to cater to different tastes while keeping its identity rooted in purity, creativity, and design.

6. Tasting Profile

What does Crystal Head Vodka taste like? Despite its showy bottle, the spirit aims to deliver a clean, refined experience.

6.1 Aroma / Nose

• According to Brand/Distributors: neutral grain aromas, with a delicate hint of citrus. (Fareham Wine Cellar)
• Some reviewers note very light cereal character, nothing heavy — the distillation aims to strip out impurities so that little else is left. (Fareham Wine Cellar)

6.2 Palate / Taste

• The texture is often described as silky and creamy. (Fareham Wine Cellar)
• Subtle sweetness comes through, possibly from the corn base, but it’s not sugary. (Fareham Wine Cellar)
• Notes of vanilla or soft cream are sometimes detected. (Rock & Gem)
• Some say there’s a gentle hint of anise or similar spice, though this can depend on batch / palate. (Fareham Wine Cellar)

6.3 Finish

• The finish is clean, soft, and creamy. (BBC Spirits)
• There is a mild lingering warmth, but it’s delicate rather than harsh.

7. How to Enjoy Crystal Head Vodka

Given its purity and character, Crystal Head works well across a few serving styles:

1. Neat
   • Because it’s so clean and neutral, sipping it neat lets you appreciate its lightly sweet and smooth texture.
   • Chill it slightly (not freezing) to enjoy subtle aromas and a clean finish.
2. On the Rocks
   • A few ice cubes will cool it without overly diluting the spirit.
   • The creamy texture can soften slightly with melt, making it quite pleasant.
3. Cocktails / Mixing
   • Martini-style: Crystal Head is a good base for a dry martini; its neutrality allows vermouth / botanicals to shine.
   • Highballs / Vodka Soda: Since it’s clean, pair with soda water + a twist of citrus for a light, refreshing drink.
   • Creative cocktails: Use it as a “blank canvas” — its lack of added flavors makes it ideal for more experimental or minimalist cocktails.

8. Awards & Recognition

• Crystal Head has gained recognition both for its design and the actual spirit quality. (Wikipedia)
• According to DWW (Deeth Williams Wall), the skull bottle is not just a marketing gimmick — the vodka has won awards and has been praised for its purity and smoothness. (Deeth Williams Wall)
• The Herkimer diamond / quartz filtration is particularly highlighted as a unique differentiator. (Rock & Gem)

9. Common Questions (“People Also Ask”) and Answers

Here are commonly asked questions about Crystal Head Vodka — and researched answers:

1. What is Crystal Head Vodka?
   • Crystal Head Vodka is a premium vodka brand founded by Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander. (Wikipedia)
   • It is additive-free and comes in a signature skull-shaped bottle. (Crystal Head Vodka)
2. Where is Crystal Head Vodka made?
   • It’s manufactured in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • Produced at Rock Spirits (a government‑owned distillery facility). (Wikipedia)
3. What grain is used in Crystal Head Vodka?
   • For the original expression: Canadian “Peaches & Cream” corn. (Master of Malt)
   • For Aurora: English wheat. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • For Onyx: Blue Weber agave. (Crystal Head Vodka)
4. How is Crystal Head Vodka filtered?
   • It is filtered 7 times. (Wikipedia)
   • The last 3 filtrations pass through Herkimer crystals (quartz). (Crystal Head Vodka)
5. What are Herkimer diamonds / crystals?
   • They are semi-precious quartz crystals, not true diamonds. (Crystal Head Vodka)
   • Crystal Head uses them for filtration; they claim this improves smoothness. (Crystal Head Vodka)
6. Does Crystal Head Vodka have any additives?
   • No. Their vodka has no glycerol, no sugars, no citrus oils — it’s very clean. (Crystal Head Vodka)
7. Is Crystal Head Vodka gluten-free?
   • Yes. Despite being grain-based, the distillation process removes gluten, and the product is certified gluten-free. (Wikipedia)
8. Why a skull-shaped bottle?
   • The bottle was designed by John Alexander to echo the mystical legend of the 13 crystal skulls. (Deeth Williams Wall)
   • It symbolizes life, enlightenment, and a creative spirit. (Crystal Head Vodka)
9. Is Crystal Head Vodka expensive / collectible?
   • Many people buy it not just for the vodka but for the bottle itself — it’s considered a collector’s item. (Deeth Williams Wall)
   • The cost is often justified by fans for both its design and its premium quality.
10. How does Crystal Head taste?
    • The nose is neutral grain with delicate citrus. (Fareham Wine Cellar)
    • The palate is silky, slightly sweet, with vanilla notes. (Fareham Wine Cellar)
    • The finish is soft, clean, and creamy. (Fareham Wine Cellar)

10. Reception & Criticism

Crystal Head has its fans — especially among design lovers — but it’s not without its critics.

10.1 Positive Reception

• Many praise the purity: no additives, very clean distillation, and a novel but meaningful filtration method. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The bottle design is repeatedly lauded in design and spirits circles. (Deeth Williams Wall)
• The brand’s story — combining art, spirituality, and quality — resonates with creative consumers. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Some consumers note it’s “easy to drink” and quite smooth for a neutral vodka. (Rock & Gem)

10.2 Criticisms & Challenges

• On forums like Reddit, some users argue that much of the value is in the bottle, not the liquid:
  

  “You’re just paying extra for the bottle.” (Reddit)

• Others say the vodka is overrated compared to cheaper but equally smooth options. (Reddit)
• There’s skepticism about the “diamond” filtration: chemically, quartz filtration may or may not materially change the spirit, but its mystique definitely sells. (Rock & Gem)
• For some, the glamorous presentation doesn’t justify the premium price if they just want a neutral, no‑frills vodka.

11. Broader Significance & Cultural Impact

• Crystal Head represents a fusion of art and spirits: the bottle is not just packaging but a deliberate creative object. (Deeth Williams Wall)
• Its founders — an actor and an artist — emphasize creativity and expression in their brand messaging. (Crystal Head Vodka)
• The skull references are culturally and mythologically loaded (13 crystal skull legends), giving the brand a narrative that goes beyond commercial spirits. (Deeth Williams Wall)
• From a design perspective, the bottle has become iconic and collectible, and is frequently cited in lists of interesting or artistic liquor bottles. (Fareham Wine Cellar)
• For many consumers, buying Crystal Head is a statement: it’s not just about drinking, but about appreciating craftsmanship, style, and purity.

12. Conclusion

Crystal Head Vodka is a distinctive spirit that stands apart for its blend of purity, design, and creative vision. It’s not built to compete purely on flavor depth or complexity, but rather to offer:

• a clean, additive-free vodka that feels serious;
• a visually arresting bottle that resonates with myth, design, and symbolism;
• a brand narrative rooted in creativity, mystery, and a desire to make something meaningful.

For many drinkers, Crystal Head is more than just vodka — it’s a collectible, a piece of design, and a conversation starter. If you value aesthetics, craftsmanship, and a spirit that stays true to simplicity, it’s a great pick. On the other hand, if you’re focused solely on getting the most flavor for your money, you might find comparable (or even more nuanced) vodkas at a lower price point.