Heritage & Distillery
Crystal Head has always been a vodka brand as much about visual spectacle as liquid quality — the iconic skull-shaped bottle, conceived by actor Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander, is one of the most recognisable packages in the spirits world. The Onyx expression extends the skull motif into a striking black bottle while making a bold departure in terms of base ingredient, using Blue Weber agave from a single farm in Mexico rather than the corn or wheat base of the original Crystal Head.
The use of agave as a vodka base is unusual — most agave spirits are, of course, classified as tequila or mezcal — but the result is a spirit with a distinctly different character from conventional grain vodkas, carrying some of the vegetal, herbaceous qualities associated with agave while maintaining the cleaner, more neutral profile expected of vodka.
Tasting Notes
The nose presents green grass, white pepper, citrus peel, and a distinctive sweet agave note that immediately signals this spirit's unconventional provenance. On the palate, the vodka is smooth and green with agave sweetness, white pepper, citrus brightness, and an aromatic herbal quality that sets it apart from grain-based competitors. The Herkimer diamond filtration contributes a notable smoothness, though the agave character remains clearly legible. The finish is medium with lingering green herbs, gentle sweetness, and a clean, peppery close.
Verdict
At seven out of ten, Crystal Head Onyx is a vodka of genuine originality — the agave base provides a character that grain vodkas cannot replicate, and the result is a spirit that appeals to both vodka drinkers seeking something different and tequila enthusiasts looking for a cleaner, more neutral expression of agave. The price includes a premium for the bottle, but the liquid within is genuinely interesting and well-made.
