Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Crystal Head Vodka came as quite a shock to the vodka industry when it first launched in 2008. The first thing you’ll notice about the Crystal Head Vodka is its bottle. It doesn’t exactly come in traditional packaging.
Instead of a vodka bottle, this product comes in a crystal skull head, which may appeal more to a certain type of customer. And along with its heavily marketed diamond filtration system, plenty became intrigued and wanted to sample it. Here’s what we’ve got on Crystal Head price and more.
Crystal Head: A Brief History
Crystal Head Vodka has links to Hollywood. It was founded by actor and producer Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters) and world-famous artist John Alexander because of the lack of additive-free vodka in the market. They wanted to create a vodka that was all pure.
This pure vodka needed a special vessel, so John Alexander masterfully designed the human skull head vodka bottle. Both Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander were obsessed with mystery and lore and were fascinated with the legend of the 13 crystal skulls. The producer of the unusual vodka bottle is the Bruni Glass factory in Milan.
How It’s Made
The distillery where Crystal Head Vodka is made is located in Newfoundland, Canada. Only locally sourced materials are used in the production process.
Like other vodkas, the Crystal Head Vodka distills grain to obtain a neutral grain spirit. In this case, peaches and cream corn are used. Distillation is done four times to achieve a spirit with a 97 percent ABV and is then diluted with water to lower the ABV down to 40 percent.
After distillation, it is then filtered seven times. Plenty of different materials can be used for filtering vodka — anywhere from charcoal to metal — but in Crystal Head Vodka’s case, it is filtered thrice by Herkimer diamonds.
These rare, 500-year-old diamonds are quartz crystals that supposedly can “amplify one’s energy and have healing properties.”
Also Read: Our Favorite Peach Vodka Brands
Why is Crystal Head Vodka Expensive?
The Crystal Head Vodka brand is expensive because of several reasons. Firstly, they use only special packaging. The skull-shaped bottle contains many grooves and seams that are not present in a regular vodka glass bottle. This makes it harder to mass-produce, and it’s said that the defect rate is as high as 40 percent in the factory.
Secondly, Crystal Head Vodka uses only high-quality, premium ingredients to create the liquor and zero additives. Thirdly, it is filtered seven times and goes through a unique filtration system using diamonds. The diamonds used are some of the rarest semi-precious stones in the world.
What Makes It Special?
Crystal Head Vodka is a vodka to the stars. A-listers like Johnny Depp and Keith Richards are genuine fans of this product, and this vodka was the official vodka of the Rolling Stones Anniversary Tour in 2013.
The brand conflicted with Stephen Spielberg’s movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull during its first release. Fearing some form of copyright, Dan Aykroyd contacted the director, and to his surprise, Spielberg happily suggested that they serve Crystal Head Vodka at the premiere. It became a hit.
Flavor
Anyone who’s ever drank Crystal Head Vodka would tell you that the alcohol has a faint sweetness and smoothness, kind of like vanilla. It makes for a great base in many cocktails.
Filtration
The materials used in filtering will affect the end taste. The charcoal will give the spirit a medium body feel and finish, while metal will give it a thicker texture.
Since the Crystal Head Vodka uses a special diamond filtering system, the result is ultra-fine and clean that translates positively to either sipping or mixing.
Common Crystal Head Prices
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Crystal Head Vodka W/Shaker | 750ml | 80 | $50.49 – $69.99 |
| Crystal Head Vodka W/Flask | 750ml | 80 | $50.49 – $69.99 |
| Crystal Head Vodka Original | 50ml | 80 | $8.99 – $9.99 |
| 750ml | 80 | $49.99 – $54.99 | |
| 1.75L | 80 | $94.99 – $99.99 | |
| Crystal Head Rolling Stones Limited Edition | 750ml | 80 | $50.49 – $69.99 |
| Crystal Head John Alexander Limited Edition | 750ml | 80 | Around $189 |
| Crystal Head Aurora | 750ml | 80 | $50.49 – $69.99 |
Filtration Techniques: Compared To Other Brands
Belvedere Vodka Unfiltered
Just like the name suggests, Belvedere Vodka Unfiltered is distilled four times but is not filtered. Some distillers don’t filter because they want the raw material as pronounced in flavor as possible.
The result is a full-bodied spirit with notes of baked bread. The price starts at about $39 for a 750ml bottle.
Reyka Vodka
Reyka Vodka is the first vodka to be distilled and bottled in Iceland. It uses only all-natural, homegrown materials in the production process and is run by the geothermal heat of the majestic Mt. Hafnarfjall. The neutral spirit (made from barley and wheat) is filtered by the same rocks that they get the water from.
A 750ml Reyka bottle has a price of around $18 in a liquor store.
Grey Goose
The Grey Goose Vodka is made from 100 percent French ingredients and undergoes distillation five times. No glycerin is added in the production process, and they use only calcium-rich water. A mere 17 employees make all the Grey Goose products available in markets worldwide. The price for a 750ml bottle starts at roughly $35.
Square One Organics
The Square One Organics Vodka is made in the United States. Homegrown rye and aqua from the Snake River are used to make it. It is one of the few organic liquor companies that is owned and run by a female (Allison Evanow). It goes through a single distillation in a four-column still and a light filtration using micron paper.
This brand proves that premium quality is not correlated with the number of times the alcohol is distilled and filtered. Prices for a 750ml bottle of Square One Organics start at about $33.
Also Read: What’s Trust Me Vodka?
The Legends Attached to Crystal Skulls
Legend has it that the Mayans had 13 skulls made from crystal (clear quartz). These 13 crystal skulls were kept inside a pyramid and were scattered all over South America. The 12 skulls represented each of the 12 planets, and the thirteenth one represented human consciousness.
Over 35,000 years ago, Mayans were said to impart all of their mystical knowledge to these skulls. Founders of these quartz crystals claim that the crystals have imparted healing powers — like healing tumors — and psychic abilities, but of course, none of these claims had real evidence to back them up.
Crystal Head Aurora & Aurora Borealis
The Crystal Head Aurora variant is inspired by one of the most beautiful phenomena in the world, the Aurora Borealis (or most commonly known as Northern Lights). It is a display of brilliant colors that appear in patterns, stars, or waves and is seen in high latitude regions. These bright lights are energy collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun entering the earth’s atmosphere. [1]
The Crystal Head Aurora uses English wheat and is distilled five times, compared to Crystal Head Vodka. It has a bolder flavor and is a little bit grassier compared to the original variant. On top of that, the skull bottles glow iridescently — just like the aurora borealis.
The Crystal Head Aurora Vodka bottle starts at $60, a bit pricier than the regular Crystal Head Vodka.
How To Drink It
There is no universally right or wrong way to drink vodka. Some people prefer to drink it in shots, while others don’t mind enjoying it slowly. Others find a shot of pure vodka quite harsh on their palate and prefer it mixed into cocktails since it technically tastes like nothing.
Options include tonic water, soda, orange juice, or cranberry juice as popular mixers.
Once you get a bottle of Crystal Head Vodka, it’s up to you to find your preferred way of drinking it. Just make sure to chill the alcohol bottle beforehand as it is best served chilled.
Popular Crystal Head Cocktail Recipes
Since Crystal Head Vodka has a pure, clean taste, it works as a base for many different cocktail recipes. Here are a few you can try:
Crystal Head Northern Peach
If you’re a fan of the juicy peach, you may find yourself making the Crystal Head Northern Peach cocktail quite often.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Crystal Head Vodka
- 2 ½ ounces peach juice
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- Basil leaves
Directions:
This recipe calls for basil-infused simple syrup. To do this:
- Boil equal parts sugar and water in a pot with 4 to 5 basil leaves.
- Once it’s boiled, simmer for 5 minutes or until it forms a semi-thick consistency.
- Transfer to a sealed container and cool to room temperature before using.
Combine the vodka, peach juice, and syrup in a chilled cocktail shaker and transfer to a chilled lowball glass. Garnish with a basil leaf before serving.
The Crystal Cosmo
Put a twist on the classic Cosmopolitan with the Crystal Cosmo.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Crystal Head Vodka
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce lime juice
- Lemon peel
Directions:
Pour all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake thoroughly. Pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the citrus peel.
That’s The Spirit
This is a sweet and tangy cocktail that marries the flavors of melon, pineapple, and lime.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce Crystal Head Vodka
- 1 ½ ounce pineapple juice
- ½ ounce melon liqueur
- ¼ ounce lime juice
- Mint leaves
Directions:
Muddle the vodka and a few mint leaves (about 3 to 4) at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Pour in all the other ingredients and some ice cubes and give everything a good shake. Strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a mint leaf.
Crystal Head Aurora Martini
Try making James Bond’s favorite drink at the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ ounces Crystal Head Aurora
- ¼ ounce dry vermouth
- Lemon peel
Directions:
Stir the vodka and dry vermouth with a bar spoon in a mixing glass filled with ice. Pour and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish a lemon peel.
FAQs
Is Crystal Head a good vodka?
Yes, Crystal Head Vodka is a premium vodka of excellent quality. It is critically acclaimed and has won various awards at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition. It owes its taste to Herkimer diamonds which is unlike anything else the market has seen before.
Can you still buy crystal head vodka?
Yes, Crystal Head Vodka is still available in leading liquor stores worldwide.
How does Crystal Head vodka taste like?
Crystal Head Vodka has a pure, clean finish, which is what good quality vodka should be like. It has a little bit of rye on the nose with pepper spice on the palate.
What is special about Crystal Head Vodka?
Crystal Head Vodka is unique due to its distinctive packaging, which comes in a crystal skull-shaped bottle.
It is also known for its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, including peaches and cream corn, and being quadruple-distilled and triple-filtered through Herkimer diamonds.
Is Crystal Head Vodka top shelf?
Crystal Head Vodka is often considered a premium or top-shelf vodka. Its distinctive packaging, quality ingredients, and smooth taste contribute to its premium status in the vodka market.
What celebrity owns Crystal Head Vodka?
Crystal Head Vodka was co-founded by actor Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander.
Can you drink Crystal Head Vodka straight?
Yes, Crystal Head Vodka is often enjoyed straight due to its smooth and clean taste.
It is also a versatile spirit that can be used in various cocktails.
Why is Crystal Head Vodka so expensive?
The price of Crystal Head Vodka is influenced by factors such as its premium ingredients, unique packaging, and the quadruple-distillation process. The use of high-quality components and the brand’s commitment to excellence contribute to its higher price point.
How much alcohol is in Crystal Head?
Like most vodkas, Crystal Head typically contains 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).
What is the healthiest vodka?
The perception of “healthy” can vary, but vodkas like Crystal Head, which emphasize high-quality ingredients and a clean distillation process, are often considered healthier options compared to vodkas with additives or impurities.
Is Crystal Head Vodka nice?
The quality and taste of Crystal Head Vodka are subjective, but many consumers appreciate its smoothness and purity, considering it a nice vodka.
What is the highest quality vodka?
Determining the highest quality vodka is subjective, as preferences vary.
However, vodkas like Belvedere, Grey Goose, and Crystal Head are often regarded as high-quality options due to their production processes and premium ingredients.
What does Crystal Head Vodka taste like?
Crystal Head Vodka is known for its clean and smooth taste.
It often has subtle sweetness from the high-quality corn used in its production, and the quadruple-distillation process contributes to its purity, making it a versatile and enjoyable spirit.
In Summary
Crystal Head Vodka is unlike anything else in the industry. From its iconic packaging, origin story, and its unique filtration system, connoisseurs and regular people alike should definitely sample this one-of-a-kind vodka. When it comes to price, we say it’s just right.
Reference:
- https://earthsky.org/earth/what-causes-the-aurora-borealis-or-northern-lights/
