Crystal Head Vodka bought its begin as a wacky Dan Aykroyd-designed vodka that was packaged in a see-through cranium. Since these early days some 15 years in the past, the model has stunned everybody by persevering with to succeed by way of the sheer energy of its novelty. Completely different skulls with completely different vodka distillates have adopted, together with every little thing from Delight-themed bottles to hand-numbered, collectable editions.
At this time we’re taking a look at a more moderen pair of choices, all constructed across the acquainted bottle design.
Each are 80 proof.
Crystal Head Onyx Vodka – Packaged in black glass, Onyx is especially distinctive as a result of it’s created from Blue Weber agave harvested from a single property in Mexico. It’s not tequila. It’s vodka. Constituted of agave. And that’s a brand new one for me. The nostril doesn’t evoke agave, although it comes throughout as a bit earthy, with notes of graphite, a touch of anise, and a little bit of creosote. The longer it lingers in glass, the extra its earthiness develops — although once more, nothing ever comes throughout as inexperienced and even peppery. The palate no less than hints on the base distillate the place a contact of pepper comes into focus, adopted by a lightweight squeeze of lemon. An rising sweetness afterward is definitely the place tequila is evoked probably the most clearly, with a grassy high quality meandering towards lemongrass turning into distinguished ultimately. All the above meld right into a end that has a modicum of sweetness melding with citrus peel and a touch of almond. In a world of nameless vodkas distinguished solely by the size of time they let the column nonetheless run, this one’s no less than bought a backstory that’s simply as fascinating as its bottle. I can’t complain about that. A- / $72 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Crystal Head Vodka Bone Bottle – A little bit of a cheat right here. That is the usual corn-based Crystal Head (linked above), the identical bottle that’s been painted an opaque, tan-like colour that no less than approximates the hue of bone. I believe the opposite Crystal Head bottles, like Aurora, are extra evocative, however if you need one thing extra traditional in look, this restricted version model (dropping for Halloween 2023) may match higher together with your decor. The nostril has a impartial however industrial high quality to it, a bit dusty and earthy — not not like the nostril of the Onyx expression. 15 years in the past I remarked on a vanilla high quality, and whereas it’s evident once more, it’s actually muted this time round, with any of these unique notes of sweetness now tempered. Has the recipe modified or simply my style buds? I’m unsure, however this expression of Crystal Head is about as gentle because it will get. Earthy nostril, mild palate, clear end. When you want one thing about as impartial because it will get to dump into your Halloween punch, I believe this you’ve discovered it. B+ / $46
Crystal Head Onyx Vodka
$72
