Crystal Head Vodka was originally created in Newfoundland, Canada- home to some of the world’s heaviest drinkers. Designed by big name actor Dan Aykroyd (Blues Brothers & Ghost Busters) whose growing ventures include a Niagara wine brand and the Canadian distribution rights to Patron tequila.
Originally created in 2007 the brand quickly escalated to gross hundreds of millions in North American sales. But Aykroyd often jokes about the year (2010-2011) Crystal Head was banned in his home province of Ontario, Canada based on its bottle design. LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) spokespeople claimed the crystal skull’s connotation with death was inappropriate.
The bottle was inspired by the “Thirteen Crystal Skull” legend about thousand year old polished skulls. Fun fact: this legend also inspired the fourth Indiana Jones movie “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (2008). Here’s Dan Aykroyd discussing both the legend and drink:
