Crystal Head Vodka 1.75L

Crystal Head Vodka 1.75L is a Canadian additive-free vodka bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 1.75-liter handle format. A Double Gold Medal winner at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — where it distinguished itself among more than 200 competing vodkas — Crystal Head stands apart through its unique Herkimer diamond filtration process and iconic skull-shaped bottle.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Newfoundland, Canada  |  Style: Corn-Based, Additive-Free Vodka  |  Founders: Dan Aykroyd & John Alexander (2008)

Production & Heritage

Crystal Head was co-founded in 2008 by actor Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander, with production based in St. John's, Newfoundland. The vodka begins with Canadian peaches and cream corn, which is distilled four times before undergoing a rigorous seven-stage filtration process — the final three stages passing the spirit through layers of Herkimer diamonds, a semi-precious double-terminated quartz crystal. The result is a vodka entirely free of additives: no sugar, glycerin, or citrus oils are introduced at any point, allowing the natural character of the corn base to come through unaltered.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean and neutral grain character opens the nose, followed by a delicate touch of citrus and faint peach. A subtle sweetness lingers beneath without any harsh alcohol bite.

Taste: The entry is silky and immediately smooth, with a gentle sweetness suggesting vanilla and cake frosting at the mid-palate. Toasted corn emerges alongside hints of black pepper and lemon as it develops across the tongue, maintaining a creamy body throughout.

Finish: Sweet and creamy at first, transitioning to a dry, clean close with a warming sensation. The finish is medium in length, with no lingering bitterness — a hallmark of the extensive diamond filtration.

How to Drink Crystal Head

The purity and neutral profile make Crystal Head exceptionally versatile. Served chilled or over a single large ice cube, the corn sweetness and creamy texture are most apparent. For cocktails, consider these three: a Classic Martini, where the clean base lets dry vermouth shine without competing flavors; a Moscow Mule, where Crystal Head's subtle vanilla and pepper notes complement ginger beer beautifully; or a Lemon Drop, where the existing citrus undertones in the vodka amplify the cocktail's brightness without added harshness.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a premium, large-format vodka for entertaining
• Gifting a spirits collector who values distinctive bottle design
• Mixing high-volume cocktails at gatherings without sacrificing quality
• Serving chilled shots at celebrations where presentation matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Crystal Head taste like? Crystal Head delivers a silky, creamy texture with notes of vanilla, toasted corn, and cake frosting, supported by subtle citrus and black pepper. The finish is clean and dry with a gentle warming quality.

How does Crystal Head compare to Grey Goose? Crystal Head uses a Canadian corn base and Herkimer diamond filtration, while Grey Goose is a French wheat-based vodka. In blind taste comparisons, Crystal Head tends to register as slightly sweeter and creamier, whereas Grey Goose leans more toward a crisp, mineral-driven profile.

Is Crystal Head good for cocktails? Its additive-free, clean profile and silky mouthfeel make Crystal Head an excellent cocktail base that blends smoothly without introducing off-flavors. The 1.75L format is particularly practical for mixing at scale.

Where is Crystal Head made? Crystal Head Vodka is produced in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. The brand was co-founded in 2008 by Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander, with production rooted in the Newfoundland distillery from its inception.

What foods pair well with Crystal Head? Smoked salmon and blini complement the vodka's creamy texture; fresh oysters on the half shell highlight its clean finish; dark chocolate truffles play off the vanilla and corn sweetness; mild soft cheeses like brie echo the buttery mouthfeel; and citrus-dressed ceviche mirrors its subtle lemon notes.

What sizes does Crystal Head come in? Crystal Head Vodka is available in 750ml, 1.75L, and 50ml miniature formats, all featuring the signature skull-shaped bottle design.

Is Crystal Head worth the price? Crystal Head positions as a premium vodka, competing in the upper tier alongside brands like Grey Goose and Belvedere. The Herkimer diamond filtration, additive-free production, and collectible bottle design provide tangible differentiators that justify its placement in that category.

Why Crystal Head?

Few vodkas commit to a production process as rigorous as seven-stage filtration culminating in three passes through Herkimer diamonds — a step that contributes directly to Crystal Head's distinctively smooth, additive-free character. The Double Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, earned against a field of over 200 vodkas, validates the quality beyond the eye-catching skull bottle. The 1.75L format provides serious value for a spirit that performs equally well sipped neat as it does anchoring a cocktail menu. For drinkers who prioritize purity and transparency in production — no sugar, no glycerin, no citrus oils — Crystal Head represents one of the most straightforward premium vodkas on the market.