Crystal Head Aurora Vodka 750ML is a 40% ABV Canadian wheat vodka filtered through semi-precious Herkimer diamonds in a 750ml iridescent skull bottle. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2020 SIP Awards, distinguishing itself as a bolder, spicier alternative within the Crystal Head range. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof) | Origin: Newfoundland, Canada | Style: Premium Wheat Vodka | Distillery: Globefill Inc. Production & Heritage Crystal Head Vodka was co-founded by actor Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander in 2008, with production handled by Globefill Inc. at a distillery in Newfoundland, Canada. Aurora departs from the original Crystal Head expression by using English wheat sourced from North Yorkshire, England, rather than corn from Ontario. The spirit is distilled five times, then subjected to a proprietary seven-stage filtration process — three of those passes run through layers of Herkimer diamonds, a double-terminated quartz crystal found primarily in Herkimer County, New York. This mineral filtration is intended to strip impurities while preserving the wheat's natural character. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens crisp and clean, with delicate floral notes rising first. A subtle hint of anise lingers underneath, giving the aroma an herbal edge that signals what's to come on the palate. Taste: The entry is firm and grain-forward, carrying a light starchy backbone with touches of lemon citrus and fresh mint. Mid-palate, strong peppercorn spice takes hold alongside warming cinnamon and honey sweetness. Herbal and fruity undertones thread through, adding complexity to a spirit that skews decidedly drier than many wheat vodkas. Finish: The finish is dry, clean, and warming — a slow fade of white pepper and subtle grain that doesn't overstay. There's a pleasant lingering heat that reinforces Aurora's identity as a vodka built for those who want genuine flavor presence. How to Drink Crystal Head Aurora The peppery, dry character of Aurora rewards sipping neat or slightly chilled. A single large ice cube tempers the spice without muting the wheat's natural grain notes. In cocktails, Aurora's boldness stands up well: a Dirty Martini benefits from the anise and pepper playing against olive brine; a Moscow Mule gains extra warmth when Aurora's cinnamon spice meets ginger beer; and a Vodka Collins lets the lemon citrus notes already present in the spirit harmonize naturally with fresh citrus juice. Best For Gifting a spirits collector — the aurora borealis-inspired iridescent skull bottle is a display piece in its own right Blind tasting nights where guests compare wheat-based vodkas against corn or potato expressions Stocking a home bar with a conversation-starting premium vodka that actually delivers on flavor Entertaining guests who appreciate spirits with visible spice and character over neutral smoothness Frequently Asked Questions What does Crystal Head Aurora taste like? Crystal Head Aurora delivers a dry, grain-forward vodka experience dominated by white peppercorn spice, cinnamon warmth, and touches of lemon citrus and mint. It is noticeably bolder and spicier than most wheat vodkas on the market. How does Crystal Head Aurora compare to the original Crystal Head Vodka? The original Crystal Head uses peaches-and-cream corn from Ontario, resulting in a smoother, sweeter profile, while Aurora uses English wheat from North Yorkshire for a drier, bolder, and spicier character. Both share the Herkimer diamond filtration process but deliver distinctly different drinking experiences. Is Crystal Head Aurora good for sipping neat? Aurora's peppery complexity and clean, dry finish make it well-suited to neat sipping, particularly for drinkers who find most vodkas too neutral or one-dimensional. Where is Crystal Head Aurora made? Crystal Head Aurora is produced by Globefill Inc. at a distillery in Newfoundland, Canada. The English wheat used as the base grain is sourced from North Yorkshire, England, before being distilled and filtered in Canada. What foods pair well with Crystal Head Aurora? Smoked salmon or cured fish complements the dry, peppery profile. Aged hard cheeses like Manchego echo the grain backbone. Sushi and sashimi work well alongside Aurora's clean, crisp finish. Spiced charcuterie boards match the cinnamon and pepper notes. Dark chocolate with sea salt draws out the subtle honey sweetness on the mid-palate. What sizes does Crystal Head Aurora come in? Crystal Head Aurora is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle. Limited-edition larger formats and miniature sizes have appeared in select markets, but the 750ml remains the primary offering. Is Crystal Head Aurora worth the price? Crystal Head Aurora positions as a premium vodka, priced above most mainstream wheat vodkas but justified by its distinctive seven-stage filtration process and English wheat base. For drinkers seeking a vodka with genuine flavor complexity rather than pure neutrality, it delivers solid value within the premium tier. Why Crystal Head Aurora? The Herkimer diamond filtration is more than a marketing hook — those three passes through semi-precious quartz are a production step virtually no other commercial vodka employs, and the result is a texture that feels polished without being stripped of character. Aurora's choice of English wheat over corn pushes the profile into drier, spicier territory that stands apart in a category often criticized for sameness. The 2020 SIP Awards Gold Medal confirmed what the liquid suggests: this is a vodka built for drinkers who actually want to taste their vodka. In a market crowded with neutral, interchangeable options, Aurora carves out a distinct lane with verifiable production choices that translate directly into the glass.
