Tasting Notes
Dark, Mysterious, Agave-Laced Elegance
Crystal Head has always challenged convention. From the iconic skull bottle to its obsession with purity and detail, it's a brand that walks the line between high art and high craft. But with Onyx, Crystal Head steps entirely outside the expected - delivering a vodka distilled not from grain or potato, but agave.
Sourced from Blue Weber agave grown in Mexico - the same plant that gives us tequila and mezcal - this vodka doesn't try to mimic those spirits. Instead, it reimagines what vodka can be when you let character and origin shine through. This isn't just a novelty release; it's a bold and successful experiment in category expansion.
On the nose, Onyx is immediately expressive. There's a grassy, herbal brightness you don't often find in vodka - think fresh-cut agave, lime leaf, and a whiff of white pepper. It's clean, but layered, with a vegetal depth that hints at its unusual base.
Take a sip, and the palate is where it really sings. Smooth and slightly oily in texture, with a subtle sweetness that nods to roasted agave. You'll catch flavours of cracked black pepper, lemongrass, and even a touch of green apple. It has weight, structure, and an earthy complexity that makes it feel more like a sipping spirit than a neutral base.
The finish is long and dry, with a cooling minerality and a hint of spice - not a burn, but a tingle. It leaves behind a clean slate, but with echoes of the agave's natural vibrancy.
How to Drink It:
Onyx was made for sipping. Serve it chilled and neat to appreciate the agave's nuance - or try it over a large cube to open things up. For cocktails, lean into its uniqueness: a Vodka Paloma with fresh grapefruit and soda, or a Smoky Martini with a flamed citrus twist. It even holds its own in a Bloody Mary, adding a savoury edge without the weight of a mezcal.
Why It's Special:
Onyx is the first Crystal Head expression to come in a black matte skull - striking, mysterious, and sleek as hell. But the spirit inside has just as much presence. It's for the vodka drinker who craves something different, or the tequila lover looking to cross the aisle without abandoning flavour.
If you're into spirits like Ciroc, Beluga Transatlantic, or even artisanal blancos like Casa Dragones, this bridges the gap beautifully. Clean, elegant, and utterly unexpected - Onyx is vodka with a backbone.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Sweet
- Dry
- Smooth
- Complex
- Delicate
- Full Flavoured
Classification: Spirits
Variety: Vodka
Vintage: None
Bottle Size: 700ml
Country: Canada
Region: Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's
Alcohol %: 40.0%
Cellaring: Ready, but will Keep