Crystal Head has become one of the most recognisable vodka brands in the world, owing as much to its remarkable skull-shaped bottle as to the spirit inside. The Aurora edition — named for the Aurora Borealis — takes the concept further, with an iridescent, colour-shifting bottle that is genuinely stunning. But does the liquid match the theatre?
Happily, it does. Where the standard Crystal Head uses corn, Aurora is made from English wheat and Canadian water, producing a noticeably different spirit. The nose is cleaner and more complex, with soft grain sweetness, a hint of anise and a delicate floral quality. The Herkimer diamond filtration — Crystal Head's signature technique — delivers exceptional clarity.
On the palate, there is a silky creaminess from the wheat, with subtle spice notes that add interest without disrupting the overall purity. The mouthfeel is remarkably clean — almost slippery — and the spirit carries itself with a quiet confidence that the original sometimes lacks.
At just under fifty pounds, you are paying a premium for the presentation, but the liquid inside genuinely deserves the bottle. This works beautifully in a very dry Martini, where its clean purity and subtle complexity can shine. A worthy limited edition that surpasses the original.
