Crystal Head Vodka — Canada's Most Iconic Spirit
Crystal Head Vodka is one of the world's most distinctive and recognisable premium spirits — a vodka of genuine quality housed in one of the most celebrated bottle designs in the history of distilling. Co-founded by actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander, Crystal Head is produced in Canada and has become a global symbol of purity, creativity, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Free from additives, sweeteners, and glycerol, it stands apart in a category often defined by shortcuts.
History & Origins
Crystal Head Vodka was founded in 2008 by Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander, united by a shared fascination with the legend of the thirteen crystal skulls — ancient artefacts said to hold mystical powers and the secrets of life itself. The skull-shaped bottle, designed by Alexander and crafted from high-quality glass with crystal melted directly into it for absolute clarity, was conceived as both a vessel and a work of art.
From its very first release, Crystal Head attracted global attention — not merely for its striking appearance, but for the quality of the liquid within. The brand quickly established itself as a serious contender in the ultra-premium vodka category, earning listings in top bars, restaurants, and retailers worldwide. Today it is distributed in over 60 countries and remains one of the most collected and gifted spirit bottles on the market.
Production & Distillation
Crystal Head is produced in Newfoundland, Canada, using locally sourced Canadian corn as its base grain — a naturally gluten-free raw material that contributes to the vodka's characteristically smooth, clean profile. The spirit is distilled four times to achieve exceptional purity, then blended with pristine water drawn from Newfoundland's ancient glacial aquifers — some of the purest water sources on the planet.
What truly sets Crystal Head apart is its extraordinary filtration process. The vodka is filtered seven times in total, with the final three filtrations passing through genuine Herkimer diamonds — semi-precious quartz crystals found in Herkimer County, New York, long believed to possess healing and purifying properties. The result is a vodka of remarkable clarity, smoothness, and character, entirely free from the additives, citrus oils, and sweeteners commonly used by other producers.
The Region: Newfoundland, Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's most easterly province, is a land of extraordinary natural beauty — rugged coastlines, ancient boreal forests, and some of the world's most pristine freshwater sources. The province's isolation and relatively sparse population have helped preserve its environment in near-pristine condition, making it an ideal source of the ultra-pure water that is central to Crystal Head's production.
Canada as a whole has a long and distinguished history of spirits production, most notably in whisky, but the country's clean agricultural landscape, abundant natural water, and culture of quality craftsmanship have also made it an increasingly respected home for premium vodka. Crystal Head has played a significant role in placing Canadian vodka on the world map.
Flavour Profile
Crystal Head Original is clean, clear, and colourless, with neutral grain aromas and a delicate touch of citrus on the nose. On the palate it is silky smooth, with a hint of sweetness and vanilla, finishing with a sweet, creamy elegance. The Onyx Edition introduces a bolder, more complex character — fresh green grass, white pepper, and citrus on the nose, with the soft earthy grip of Blue Weber agave emerging on the palate alongside spice and sweetness, finishing with green grass, pepper, and citrus.
Our Range
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Crystal Head Vodka 50mL — The perfect introduction to the Crystal Head experience, or an ideal gift alongside a cocktail recipe.
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Crystal Head Vodka 700mL — The classic expression in the iconic skull bottle. The benchmark for the range.
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Crystal Head Vodka 1.75L — The grand format for those who demand the best, and plenty of it.
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Crystal Head Onyx Edition 700mL (New) — A bold departure from the original, the Onyx Edition is crafted with premium Blue Weber agave sourced from a single farm in Mexico, blended with pristine Newfoundland water. Housed in a striking all-black skull bottle, it delivers fresh green grass, white pepper, and citrus on the nose, with a soft, smooth palate of spice and sweetness developing into the unmistakable earthy grip of agave. No oils, sugars, or additives. An exceptional choice for those who appreciate the character of agave spirits in a vodka format.
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Crystal Head Vodka Pride Limited Edition 700mL — A limited-edition release celebrating diversity, equality, and inclusion, with the iconic skull bottle rendered in vibrant Pride colours.
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Crystal Head Vodka Pride Limited Edition 1.75L — The Pride expression in the impressive large format — a collector's piece and a powerful statement.
Awards & Recognition
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Double Gold — San Francisco World Spirits Competition
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Gold Medal — International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
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Gold Medal — International Spirits Challenge (ISC)
- Rated among the world's top ultra-premium vodkas by leading spirits publications including The Spirits Business and Whisky Advocate
- Distributed in over 60 countries worldwide
- One of the most recognised and collected spirit bottle designs in the world, featured in design and art publications globally
How to Enjoy Crystal Head Vodka
Crystal Head Original is exceptional served ice-cold and neat — the purest way to appreciate its remarkable smoothness and clarity. The Onyx Edition shines in a premium Agave Vodka Martini or sipped slowly over a large ice cube to let the agave character unfold. Both expressions excel in cocktails: a Crystal Head Martini, a clean Vodka Tonic, or a simple serve over ice with a twist of lemon peel. Their additive-free profiles make them a favourite among bartenders who value a vodka that doesn't interfere with the integrity of their creations.
Explore our full range of Crystal Head Vodka expressions below and experience the spirit that has redefined what Canadian vodka can be.
