Crystal Head

5 StarStarStarStarStar

Crystal Head is a 40% ABV vodka from Canada. It is filtered with Charcoal. The vodka is produced by Globe Fill and imported by Wilson Daniels Ltd. The quality is considered to be amazing. The average price is around $49.62 per 750mL. Rated 5 out of 5 based on 26 reviews.

The bottle states the following:

One of the most compelling archeological mysteries is the story of the 13 crystal heads. These heads are believed to be between 5,000 and 35,000 years old and were carved over a period of several hundred years but without any tool marks. In fact their very construction defies the laws of physics and common logic. They are believed to offer spiritual power to those who hold or possess them.

In reverence of those enlightened after touching any of the thirteen crystal heads unearthed around our globe we offer this pure spirit.

Crystal Head Vodka Review

5 StarStarStarStarStar

Crystal Head vodka has been around for awhile now. It’s hard not to notice a vodka with a spokesperson like Dan Akroyd, let alone a vodka with a back story like Romancing the Stone. Furthermore, the beautiful bottle design is probably as unique as it gets. With a good review from an alpha geek like John Hodgman, I had to give it a try despite the lofty price tag.

So, in honor of Daniel’s birthday, I’ll share my thoughts.

The Shot

Crystal Head vodka has an ethanoly-sweet smell. It’s completely clean and neutral in the mouth and it goes down like water with only a slight cooling burn, as though I had just used flavorless mouthwash. The swallow is followed by an oddly sweet aftertaste. Crystal Head vodka is worth every penny and takes a high ranking spot with Jean Marc XO.

The Mixed Drink

Be picky with your mixer! On a whim, I tried Simply Lemonade. The flavor of the vodka comes through and makes the mix taste pretty bad. That might just be an attribute of lemonade, though. I tried several other multi-fruit juices as mixers that are of the sweet variety that turned out to be wonderful because the vodka was undetectable.

Opinions

When Erin took a shot, she mentioned that the ethanol flavor was minimal and there was only a little burn after Crystal Head vodka goes down. In her own words, “That’s probably as close to flavorless as I’ve ever had. Good job, Dan Akroyd.” She was doubly impressed when she mixed the vodka with some of the fruit juices, noting that the vodka didn’t change the taste of the juice at all.

If you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket, or you want to celebrate a special evening with a unique spirit, Crystal Head is a must-try. In fact, the only down side is the price. I’m sure someone like Dan Akroyd wouldn’t think twice about dropping a $50 on a bottle of alcohol, but it’s a little too expensive for a normal guy like me to indulge in on a regular basis. If this were priced to compete with normal upper-shelf vodkas, this would certainly set a new high water mark in the vodka industry.

Update 6/24/2010: As Jason pointed out below, empty Crystal Head bottles are selling for around $25 on eBay. So, you can potentially recoup some of your costs if you put the bottle up for sale on eBay. Good looking out, Jason.

Rated 5 out of 5.

Robert Brodrecht

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Wasay Ibrahim

    No Rating

    I usually drink on a budget. So my vodka of choice is usually smirnoff. However, I managed to get my hands on Crystal Head Vodka, and I mainly got it because of the bottle. But when I chilled it and took a shot, man o man. What a vodka! This is the smoothest vodka i’v ever had. And it tastes great, though its not as tasteless as people on this forum seem to be saying. I think it has a very distinctly sweet taste which is hard to ignore and is actually pretty great! It definitely has a burn though, but its a much more bearable burn than the kind that lots of other vodkas on the market have. Personally I think that getting this Vodka is a MUST! That is if you have the money for it.

    Wasay Ibrahim

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      I agree that Crystal Head has a distinct flavor, and that it is not totally neutral. It does have a subtle sweet flavor that reminds me of confectioners sugar. It is incredibly smooth, and does have a slight bite on the swallow that lends a nice cooling effect to the drink. Time after time, this vodka never fails to remind me why it is my favorite.

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

        …and it just proved itself again in another superb martini last night! Wonderful stuff!

        Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By peachykeen

    5 *****

    Perhaps the second-best vodka I’ve had, after Stoli Elit. On a fine-grained rating system, I’d give it a 4.7 or so, but that easily rounds up to 5.

    This vodka is extremely smooth, with a tiny bit of flavour (actual flavour, not just burn). Absolutely no burn, even straight. A splash of tonic covers it incredibly well, you would never know there was vodka under there; an amazing mixer. I almost tasted a little bit of a sweet note, but haven’t been able to pin it down.

    The price is high, but not outrageous, and the packaging is fun (does make pouring interesting, I prefer to pour over the front of the head).

    peachykeen

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      I agree with your comment, except for being second to Stoli Elit. ;-)

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    I had an enlightening conversation with a liquor store operator today about Crystal Head vodka. He was surprised when I mentioned my fondness for the product and claimed that it is not a good seller. He stated that most customers do not have high regards for the vodka, but often buy the vodka for the fancy bottle. I am not too surprised at his comments based upon the feedback from this forum, but just goes against my taste buds. I find the martinis made with it to be exceptionally smooth and tasty. In fact, two other people that I know agree. One of them actually questioned if the cocktail had been watered down because it was so smooth. Perhaps some batches are better than others? Maybe it is just a great martini vodka? The strong polarization of this vodka’s reviewers just puzzles me. To each, his own.

    Cheers!

    taffyg2003

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      I had another enlightening chat with the aforementioned gentleman today about the polarized reviews of Crystal Head and the occasional off taste that I’ve personally experienced. He mentioned a few possible explanations based on experience in the liquor industry and customer feedback at his liquor store.

      First, he has seen quality control issues form all types and brands of spirits, so the Crystal Head situation does not seem surprising to him. He has noticed over the years, that new start up companies, such as Crystal Head will tend to have inconsistency of batches due to relatively inexperienced in house operators. For example, human error could erroneously send some batches through fewer distillation or filtration cycles. Also, smaller batch liquor producers tend to have greater batch variability than larger volume manufacturers due to the higher likelihood of subtle batch production process differences that can effect the final product. Any variations in the distillation or filtering process could significantly change the quality of the finished product.

      Second, he confirmed that there can be corking/capping effects on liquor due to evaporation and flavor effecting residues. That could explain why I have found Crystal Head to have a slight vinegar-like flavor and bite when initially taking a sip of a martini poured from a bottle that hadn’t been touched in several months. This is conjecture on my part about Crystal Head, however, and not necessarily the situation. He sited an example in which a decade old bottle of factory sealed and packaged Tanqueray was less than half full and tasted extremely strong when he finally opened the bottle. The cause was extensive evaporation, though an unusually extreme example of the effect.

      As a side note, he mentioned that he was advised by a low end vodka producer in New Jersey, which doesn’t filter their product before bottling, that pouring the bottom shelf vodka through a Brita charcoal filter will tremendously improve the quality of their cheap vodka. He was told that this is a trick that can be employed in order to spend very little on bottom shelf vodka and process it into decent stuff in only minutes at home. I will take his word for this, but continue to buy the higher end brands that I like, regardless. ;-)

      Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Michael

      I can understand the salesman thinking that the Vodka was low quality. I like to collect unusually shaped bottles and when I open them sometimes if I buy a couple I find that typically the liquor in the most unusually shaped bottles isn’t a very high quality liquor. If he would have opened up a bottle and tasted it he would have found that it indeed was top shelf and could have expressed that to his customers in turn selling more vodka. I don’t consider it very good business sense telling his customers that alcohol that he sells is bad.

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    Well, I finally had the great Jean Marc XO vs. Crystal Head vodka martini challenge. In the end, it was clear that each vodka had its distinct qualities and attributes, and they made martinis that were quite different from one another. I figure that it is easiest to compare them by breaking down each aspect of the cocktails they made.

    1) Aroma: Both smelled extremely mild and pleasant. C.H. presented a very neutral subtle ethanol-like nose, while J.M. added a hint of the creamy vanilla-like flavor to come. Both are smooth and inviting.

    Advantage: None.

    2) The sip: C.H. was very smooth and neutral, with a very mild initial bittersweet flavor. As the sip flows toward the back of the tongue, there is no change in the flavor but there is a slight increase in harshness (though still very mild compared to most most other vodkas). The sip of J.M. was also very smooth, but presents an unusual slightly burnt rubber and vanilla extract-like flavor. As the sip flows toward the back of the tongue, the cocktail loses the slightly odd burnt rubber* aspect in favor of a sweetening of the vanilla portion of the flavor. Unlike C.H., J.M. maintains its supreme smoothness throughout.

    Advantage: J.M. for smoothness/C.H. for flavor *(J.M. gets a demerit for the odd an slightly off-putting burnt rubber note)

    3) The swallow: For C.H., if the sip was small and directed toward the the back of the tongue before the swallow, the cocktail was extremely smooth and had no real bite upon swallowing. If the sip was large or swished around the mouth before swallowing, a mild harshness and slight bite showed during the swallow. I happen to be among those who enjoy vodkas with a mild Russian vodka style bite, however. In contrast, J.M. was essentially nearly perfectly smooth and bite-free regardless of the sipping technique. J.M. was not smoother than C.H., but was better able to maintain its smoothness under different circumstances.

    Advantage: J.M. for smoothness/C.H. for composed and desirable Russian style bite

    4) The aftertaste: J.M. maintains the sweet vanilla flavor that develops during the sip even after the swallow. It is very pleasant and mild. C.H. has a slightly sweet aftertaste, but can add a mild bitterness if the sip is big.

    Advantage: J.M.

    The Verdict: If I give one point to each advantage, J.M. wins by one point. However, I am also penalizing J.M. one point for its off-putting transient burnt rubber flavor. Overall, I think that Jean Marc XO is the slightly more refined vodka. However, I still think that Crystal Head makes the more enjoyable martini because I prefer its very mild Russian vodka style flavor and bite. Maybe after a few more comparisons over time, I may alter my review and decision. It will be fun to keep taste testing these two vodka titans.

    Cheers!

    taffyg2003

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By bigcor23

    5 *****

    A great vodka. Smooth nearly flavorless gose down with minimal burn and hardly and aftertase. One of the only vodkas that I will drink straight. Pricey…yes. But well worth it. A vodka best left for speacial occasions.

    bigcor23

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      It is interesting that the opinions about this vodka are highly polarized. People either love it or hate it. I, for one, love this vodka for its extreme smoothness, sweet flavor, and virtual lack of a burn when swallowing. I am not sure if there are some bad batches out there that are causing some of the really lousy reviews and ratings from some forum members, or if there is something peculiar about this vodka that some people like and others disdain. Most other vodkas have had much more consistent reviews and ratings. An overall user rating of only 2 shots seems stunningly low for such a special offering. In the end, I strongly urge those of you who’ve disliked Crystal Head to try it again and let us know if your opinion has changed.

      Cheers!

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    Last night I had a chance to try a martini, straight up with olives, made with Crystal Head at a local steak house. WOW! It reminded me of Tito’s: very smooth, very neutral, and very little alcohol burn on swallowing, but with a slightly sweet taste that I felt made the martini even more pleasant to sip that those I have had made with Tito’s. WOW!! Crystal Head is now my new favorite! Unfortunately, at over twice the price of Tito’s, I doubt that it will ever supplant Tito’s as the vodka that I will keep in my freezer at home.

    taffyg2003

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By krcoakland

    1 *****

    I don’t know about anyone else, but this was THE most disappointing bottle of ANY KIND OF liquor I’ve ever bought… it’s cool as far as the bottle goes, but other than that, I was let down. Contrary to the first review on this vodka, I found the smell to be overwhelmingly like ethanol… as if I were smelling a bottle of rubbing alcohol. The mouthfeel for this bottle was atrocious. Just like the smell… it felt like I had rubbing alcohol in my mouth. It was flavorless all right, but burned worse than any $6/ fifth vodka I’ve ever had (I’m in college, and during my first couple years, I had my share of Five O’Clock and Mohawk). Not trusting myself on this one, since after all it IS a $50 bottle and I expected more, I had 7 friends over to try it out. Of these people, absolutely none of them thought it was worth the price point, and they all agreed with me on it being the WORST vodka they’ve ever had. I am very disappointed and will be advising everyone I can to avoid this epically overpriced vodka at all costs. As the old adage goes, You can put lipstick on a pig, (put nasty vodka in a nice bottle) but it’s still a pig.

    krcoakland

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By David Williams

      This user clearly bought a “boot leg” bottle of this fine Vodka. The taste is very smooth with minimal after taste.
      A very good vodka not sure its worth the price after all Ciroc is a cheaper alternative with an equally smooth finish.

      Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Blov8r

      Your evaluation is pretty much as mine would have been … when I was your age and in college (more than half a century ago). Getting booze when underage we found a way to buy whatever we could wherever we could. Our taste buds didn’t matter. We had no problem falling down drunk. We drank, got drunk, fell down. No problem.

      Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Rob S

      @ KRCOAKLAND: My experience with this swill, is 100% aligned with your experience. This stuff is frighteningly bad. Undrinkable.
      Acrid and astringent, are its high points.

      Thinking a $50/ bottle placed it squarely in the premium arena , my brother-in-law and I decided to give it a try…TRY being the operative word.
      Neither of us got through a single shot before dumping the entire bottle down the drain.
      Whilst returning this vile elixir to the sewer from which it sprang, we began hurtling a stream of choice expletives and personal epithets down the drain after it.

      We’re both vodka afficianados, and know our way around this spirit, should anyone assumed we’re a couple of blokes who never tried vodka before.

      He still has the bottle displayed on his bar; it’s a very cool piece.
      The skull is no longer filled with the original oven cleaning product, and is safe for public areas.

      Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Wasteland Warrior

      I see your posting is from 2009… I had tried it many years ago and was also disappointed..( I have tried over 300 different vodkas over many years and drink my vodka straight with no ice and at room temperature, so there is no hiding bad flavour or quality by cold temperatures or fancy mixes) … But I just won a bottle at a motorcycle rally as a door prize and so have just tried it again..well that bottle has almost dissapeared in less than a week! It is very smooth and has a nice creamy texture with just the slightest hint of sweetness with no aftertaste…Very good!. So obviously either they have learned how to get it right over the years, or else I got a “lucky” batch..

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Harry D'Amour

    5 *****

    I was given the 1st bottle I tried as a gift. Honestly I figured , novelty bottle = rubbing alcohol. Wow , was I wrong. I ended up with an abscess tooth shortly after and this was what was on hand. I wanted fast relief so with a cringe I grabbed a smallish glass and poured a triple shot. Waiting , cringing , almost pre vomiting in my mouth…..for an effect that never came. This is tap water smooth. The lightest of light weights would enjoy a chilled shot of this. No noticeable burn , no dollar store rubbing alcohol smell or after taste. I assume better vodka exist for extravagant prices but I can’t imagine how they improve much on this. It sells around $40 where I am in MI so when you figure in at least $20 back on eBay for the bottle this is a super premium (imo) vodka at alley swill prices. Honestly , what more could you ask for. I did not make any mixers as I was just so amazed it was so smooooooth it never crossed my mind. Seriously $15 to $20 after you unload the empty……no thousand dollar of vodka satisfies like that. Hell , my 1st wife didn’t satisfy like that. Or my 2nd.

    Harry D'Amour

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By al

    5 *****

    Had it over ice and was completely surprised at how smooth it was compared to the cheaper brands. Hardly any after taste or smell. It was certainly strong but smooth enough to drink over ice! I really enjoyed it.

    al

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By E. Wallender

    2 *****

    Surprised by the favourable reviews for Crystal Head. I challenge anyone to do a side-by-side taste test with something like Lukasawa or Tito’s. Yes, Lukasawa is a potato vodka and Tito’s uses corn, so there is a major difference, but we are talking vodka here. As far as grain vodka’s, even Pinnacle or Sky have this beat. It’s just not good. I would suggest there is a psychological element of people expecting it to be good because it comes in a cool bottle and costs $50 for 750ml. Taste this blind, and it is average at best.

    E. Wallender

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Courtney

    5 *****

    I just had a shot of Crystal Head from the 50ML bottle. I’m not a heavy drinker, in fact, all I’ve had ever is a few sips of beer. It definitely burnt my throat, and the aftertaste wasn’t enjoyable, but it felt nice after a couple minutes. I’ve tried Captain Morgans spice rum and enjoyed it, but not as much as this.

    Courtney

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    I just finished another magnificent Crystal Head vodka martini! Mmmm!

    taffyg2003

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Jessy Johnston

    5 *****

    I belong to a motorcycle group with a skull as a primary part of our logo. I began giving bottles of Crystal Head as gifts from the chapter that was met with constant approval.
    I’ve been drinking this stuff myself for about a year, and it’s the best shooting vodka I’ve ever had. (Since I’m a habitual whiskey drinker, this doesn’t say much)
    I’ve had it in a few mixed drinks and it’s pretty good, but it excels in one drink. White Russians. (I guess it would be more of a White Canadian, but who cares) The smooth, silky, almost light vanilla aftertaste mixes wonderfully with the creamy goodness of the drink. It’s the only vodka I’ll ever use in a White Russian anymore.
    As far as the spirituality of the crystal skull legend, all I can say is I have brief flashes of intense anger after having 3 or 4 of these. I don’t know if I just don’t work well with vodka, or those are some pissed of stones they filter this through. Either way, Dan Akroid did a hell of a job.

    Jessy Johnston

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      Great writeup! Luckily, I do not seem to become angry after drinking Crystal Head, though sometimes I experience anger after a couple of drinks of other vodkas or alcohol. Maybe I enjoy Crystal Head so much that I am just too happy to ever become angry afterwards?

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    I have been cycling through martinis at home amongst the various vodka bottles I currently have: Americana Luxury Vodka, Crystal Head, Jean Marc XO, Luksusowa, Sobieski, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Most of the time I have Sobieski and Luksusowa because they are affordable and very enjoyable. For the first time in a few months I am drinking a Crystal Head martini at home, and I have to say that it is spectacular! It is so smooth, mildly sweet, and burn-free that it puts my other favorites to shame (except for Jean Marc XO). 6 stars!

    taffyg2003

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      After running out of Crystal Head a few months ago, and not being able to find it lately at any area restaurants, I finally made a martini at home from a new bottle that my wife gave me. Ah! It truly is wonderful stuff. : -)

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    I had a chance to compare a Crystal Head martini extra dry up with olives to one made with Grey Goose at a local restaurant’s bar last night. I watched the bartender make the drinks from unopened vodka bottles (just by lucky chance) so I know that the vodkas were legitimate.

    The Crystal Head martini was instantly superbly pleasant; so smooth and softly bittersweet. There was no burn on the swallow, and the aftertaste was exactly the same as the wonderful flavor of the first sip. The martini was amazing, start to finish. As I’ve written on this forum previously, if I could, I would select 6 stars to rate Crystal Head.

    Next, I had a Grey Goose martini, which was also very nice. The flavor was a bit more pronounced and a little more “minty”, for lack of a better description. However, it was surprisingly smooth; not Crystal Head smooth, but very smooth. There had nearly no burn on the swallow, but there was a slightly “off” aftertaste that degraded the experience a little. Without a doubt, Crystal Head made the better martini, but there truly is something surprisingly good about a Grey Goose martini, too. I am tempted to increase my 3 star rating for Grey Goose to 4 stars, but I will have to shuffle over to the Grey Goose thread for that.

    Cheers!

    taffyg2003

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By BullBUster

    3 *****

    Bought this for the awe some bottle… I have Stoli gold, elite, Belvedere, and Grey Goose in my bar right now. Got to say… the CH cost more than Stoli elite ( US Virgin Isle)…God, what an average Vodka…. Typical neutral on the nose, a bit sweet on the first taste, and kind of harsh getting out…. average…Wedding well stuff- mix with tea or orange juice. I’m just not that rich. Will fill my bottle with the very nice Stoli gold and tell my friends I spent $55 for this tasty stuff…lol. Before that I will serve the real CH in highballs… as Smirnoff.

    BullBUster

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Kuggi

    3 *****

    What a nice bottle. If the taste was as good as the bottle itself, this vodka would be perfect.
    It tastes just like Purity Vodka made in Sweden. It tastes like a ethanol and I didn´t like it.

    There are several ratings about this vodka and other vodka drinks by mixing with martini.

    Drink without mixing.

    The best vodkas I have ever had are Kauffman Vodka (soft and hard), Stoli Elit, ZYR, Beluga Gold Line and Smirnoff Black.

    These Russians truly beat Crystal Head Vodka by a mile.

    Anyway, Crystal Head Vodka has the nicest bottle.

    Kuggi

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Dan Ellis

    5 *****

    When I saw the skull on the shelf at my likker store — I bought it in spite of the $53 price tag — I wanted the vodka to use as a Toast at my upcoming Jazz Funeral (Fri, Dec 21 – 2012) — upon finding that Dan Aykroyd was the head honcho, I invited him to partake in my New Orleans style Jazz Funeral to be held in the Ozarks — unfortunately he will be out of the country – but was kind enough to send the “Big Bozo” which I will use as a pre-funeral kick-off honoring my 25 pallbearers — and the bottle? — I will use as my Urn to capture the ashes from my burning effigy. Oh, what a grand time we will have in Eureka Springs, AR — my new home since Hurricane Katrina. I have a funeral website that you can find if you go to my Dan Ellis website. Laissez les bon temps rouler! and a happy Crystalhead junkie I now am!

    Dan Ellis

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Jim

    No Rating

    I was going to buy this bottle, but after all these reviews I am going to pass. Glad I checked.

    If they made the vodka grey goose level or better I’d drop $100 just to try the cool bottle, but I’m not going to waste $50 on garbage.

    Jim

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert Brodrecht

      It blows Grey Goose out of the water. Period. I still haven’t figured out where the negative reviews are coming from, but this is easily one of the top two vodkas I’ve ever tasted. The other bottle, Jean Marc XO, also goes for $50 per bottle, and I can’t tell if I like it a tad better or the same as Crystal Head.

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

        I agree 100%! If anybody is curious to read about my comparison of Crystal Head to Jean Marc XO, just scroll down a bit in this thread or go to the Jean Marc XO thread. Of the more than two dozen vodkas that I’ve tried, these are the two best tasting vodkas; period.

        Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Sean Bond

        I have to agree with Robert. Grey Goose is incredibly overrated (not necessarily because of the price, but because of the popularity). Having purchased bottles of both for my home, I can honestly say that if you’re looking for a smooth, clean vodka, Grey Goose can’t touch Crystal Head. Goose is an average vodka, whereas Crystal Head is at the very least above average, if not great.

        Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By darksoul252

    No Rating

    I have tried numerous vodkas. Everything from really cheap to expensive. This is an expensive bottle of vodka. With that said, this is one of the best vodkas I have ever had as well. It has a nearly flavorless taste and mixes well with various juices. It has a slightly sweet flavor which doesn’t smell all that great in the bottle but goes well when mixed or even on its own. It goes down smooth with only a touch of burn. If you enjoy vodka it is worth it to try it at least once. The bottle makes for an interesting presentation and conversation piece. The drink itself was an unexpected pleasure.

    darksoul252

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Sam

    No Rating

    I actually didn’t know that the bottle came in a larger size, I saw a smaller version at a store around the corner with the other mini’s and I thought it was adorable. It was only $10 so I think I’m going to go give it a try sometime soon!

    Sam

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Black

    No Rating

    I work for a vodka distillery, and as a vodka drinker I have to say this Crystal Head Vodka is not the best I’ve had. It’s the worst I’ve had for the price tag. Crystal Head, As a grain vodka, tastes like a grain vodka even filtered with crystal. Potato vodka and corn vodka, both have a much cleaner taste and are more neutral, comparatively. I have to say the only reason i would buy this vodka in the future is if I wanted more heads. I’m sticking with potato vodka even if it’s not crystal filtered.

    Black

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

      @Black I agree with a few points: Crystal Head is stupid expensive and I tend to like potato vodkas. But what’s your favorite? What is your “daily drinker”?

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Black

        @Robert I am mostly a scotch drinker actually but honestly if I gave you my true “daily drinking vodka” I’d only sound like I’m pushing my companies product. I do honestly like the vodka that my distiller and boss make. Which is Koenig Potato Vodka. It is potato of course and distilled twice and filtered through 100 coal filters, no crystal or diamond or gold filters here. What amazes me is we make a good vodka that isn’t 50$ a bottle. I also like Monapalov, I know I’m not spelling that right, but it’s Polish and potato, my wife introduced it to me.

        Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

        @Robert, I tend favor potato vodka, too. I also three that Crystal Head is “stupid expensive”. That said, I had a Crystal Head martini extra dry last night for the first time in months, and I must say it was far smoother and enjoyable than any I’ve had since the last Crystal Head martini. It is simply a terrific martini vodka.

        Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Mario vazquez

    No Rating

    This is seriously one of the best vodkas I’ve ever had. I was honestly expecting less. It feels just like water, it doesn’t burn. It has delicate, sweet flavor and it’s so refreshing!

    Mario vazquez

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      I am happy to read that there are a couple of new enthusiasts for Crystal Head. I love this vodka, and always am stunned when there is a poor review posted.

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    I finally found a 1.75L bottle of Crystal Head. It looks the same, just bigger.

    BTW, I finally experienced a slight bitterness and bite that might be what some folks have found offensive about Crystal Head. It seems to show up for the first few sips of my martini if, and only if, I do not add any vermouth to the cocktail. After the first few sips, my mouth must get conditioned by the vodka and this subsides. This is totally absent when there is even the slightest hint of vermouth added to the drink. Finally, it doesn’t always happen, so there may be some affect of salivary or food chemistry on the flavor of Crystal Head.

    taffyg2003

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Michael

      If you really want to taste the true quality of the Vodka you need to drink it by itself. If you are mixing it with something you have absolutely no idea what’s causing the aftertaste. Different bartenders use different brand name and different quality mixers and you could be short-changing the vodka and blaming the aftertaste that you’re experiencing from the mixers themselves on the vodka.

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By shaun

    No Rating

    Well I agree that this bottle is worth 50$ but I don’t agree with the taste. It tastes like some one put Bartons vodka in my bottle but oddly it got me drunk off 3 shots. And the glass skull looks cool as a decoration when bottle is finally empty

    shaun

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      I wonder if some of these surprisingly bad tasting bottles of Crystal Head are actually re-sold bottles the have been re-filled with cheap vodka? The real deal is sold in a box and the wooden stopper is sealed in plastic.

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Austijoe

    5 *****

    I loved this vodka. It has peppery nodes towards the back of the pallet that are very enjoyable, and a very smooth clean light after taste. As supposed to Sobeiski, which has a more full mouth feel.

    If it was 20 bucks, I would buy this everyday. Great stuff.

    Austijoe

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By vicki

    No Rating

    I had not drunk vodka since high school (now 68 yrs old) when I came upon a bottle of Crystal Head and could not resist buying it for the bottle. However, I flipped out when I actually tasted the vodka. I thought it was excellent. For fun I bought a bottle of Vodka of the Gods from Trader Joe’s. Well, forget it! It’s fine in a Bloody Mary but straight up, no way. I am spoiled forever now with Crystal Head which needs no mixer. Thanks, Dan. I wish I had your money to buy lots of it!

    vicki

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By JimmyT

    No Rating

    I am very surprised to see all the negative feedback about this vodka. Believe me, I am the first person to be negative about anything being sold by a celeb which claims to be “elite,” because the opposite is generally the case. For example, I would never buy a watch branded by Louis Vuitton, because LV are master luggage makers, not watch engineers. Similarly, Dan Akroyd branded wine actually makes me look elsewhere, because it wreaks of a well marketed poorly produced product.

    When it comes to Crystal Head, however, it seems to be the proverbial exception to the rule. When I first tried it, I had no idea about it’s origins or celebrity ownership. I was at a Vodka bar in Toronto, called Pravda. It’s next door to my office. I am a salesman, and work with a few other sales people in our office – as you are aware, salesmen enjoy the odd drink. I’ve tasted more or less all of the vodkas offered at Pravda at one point or another. From $5 a shot to $50 a shot, and I can confidently say that Crystal Head is extremely enjoyable, and well worth the cost.

    The only downside is that the LCBO, Ontario’s only source for spirits, refuses to carry the brand because they feel the skull associates the consumption of alcohol with death.

    Instead, I buy Kettle One, which is a very decent and slightly lower priced alternative.

    I’d be very interested to see which brands the nay-sayers in this thread prefer to Crystal Head – because I truly believe that anyone who thinks it’s anything less than very good has no idea what they’re talking about.

    Best,

    JT – Toronto, Canada.

    JimmyT

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Fat Matt

    1 *****

    This Vodka is absolutely horrible, crack a bottle of rubbing alcohol instead. The bottle it comes in is extremely cool though…

    Fat Matt

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Jason

    No Rating

    Wow. Best. Vodka. Ever. Not only is the bottle wicked, it’s the finest vodka I’ve ever had. Clean, smooth, flavorless, no burn, just a light, cool, refreshing feeling after it goes down. Great for sipping straight. Cost is rather prohibitive though, most of us won’t be willing to shell out $50 to always keep this one stocked.

    Jason

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Jason

      It’s worth mentioning here that if you’re not keeping the bottle, empty Crystal Head bottles can sell for between $20-$30 on eBay, which offsets the high price tag and essentially gives you around a 50% rebate off the $50 price.

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

        @Jason, that IS worth mentioning. I never occurred to me to look on eBay to see what they fetch. I’ll have to note that in the review.

        Reply

        • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

          My wife bought me a bottle of Crystal Head for Father’s Day, and I had a chance to make a martini at home with it a few nights ago. WOW!! It was even better than the Crystal Head martinis that I’ve had a few times at a couple of nearby restaurants! Wow! Even neat, it is incredibly smooth and surprisingly sweet and tasty. Wow! Did I say, “Wow!”, yet. Side-by-side, it was almost as tasty as a neat shot of Americana, but significantly smoother. I really like Americana, but this stuff is in another league. I am considering re-rating it six out of a possible five stars. ;) Wow!

          Reply

          • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

            Now if they’d just come down on the price…

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    I had another Crystal Head martini while out at dinner, and it reinforced my impression that this vodka is far superior to any other that I have tried! So smooth, no burn, and a nice mildly sweet flavor; just great! I am now curious how it compares to the also very highly regarded Jean Marc XO. However, at approximately $60 a bottle, I doubt that I will have an opportunity to try it any time soon.

    taffyg2003

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By jadez03

    No Rating

    I got a bottle of Crystal Head for my 21st birthday…and I was not as swept off my feet as people all seem to be. It seemed unnaturally harsh, with a bitter taste to it. The burn was that of a low-grade vodka, I felt like I had just taken a shot of monarch. I would definitely prefer a mid like svedka over crystal head after that experience. Did I just get a bad bottle or something?

    I found the bottle to be very nice but the vodka inside…not so much.

    jadez03

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

      @jadez03 It could have been a bad bottle, but I don’t know how often that happens. I’ve gone through two bottles, and everyone that’s tried it has been impressed (vodka drinkers and non-vodka drinkers). Maybe try it again on your next birthday (the stuff is way too expensive to buy on a regular basis) and see what happens?

      Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Guestieman

      Yeah, I think you got a fluke bottle. I just got my first bottle and it is AMAZING. I am used to a good scotch, though, so by comparison there is no flavor and it is as smooth as purified water.

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Blov8r

        Had my first taste this evening. It’s smooth as silk, more gentle than Grey Goose, and the best I’ve ever tasted. Price? Too high for the difference in price.

        Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By isosceles shockwave

      perhaps you are one of the few shaps that never tried vodka before the age of 21? with the many knocks on this vodka harshness is just acceptable…it is after all vodka, and while hardly as complex as a nice single malt scotch. it’s a smooth as silk.

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By gwal46

    No Rating

    My wife bought me a bottle for my birthday. I wasnt expecting much but holy shit that is the absolute best vodka I have ever had. It was smooth and almost no after taste. Definitely not one that I can afford to drink but for special occasions definitly worth it. Dont share it with someeone who hasnt acquired the taste for vodka.

    gwal46

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

      “Dont share it with someeone who hasnt acquired the taste for vodka.” Amen!

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By UncleAl

    1 *****

    I never drank Vodka I didn’t like – until now. Crystal Head is WAAAYYY overpriced. It starts out with an aftertaste that resembles charcoal. I normally enjoy sipping vodka while having a beer, but the only way I was able to finish the bottle was to mix it with orange juice. For my money, Gilbey’s is a much better vodka for a whole lot less money.

    UncleAl

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      Your post is yet another example of the extremely poor impression some drinkers have of Crystal Head. Most grade this vodka extremely well or extremely poorly. The polarization of ratings is puzzling and has led to conjecture that some bottles may be “bad”, “bootlegged”, or have a “corking issue”. This is the only vodka reviewed on this forum that seems to garner such opposing ratings. I have also given thought to the idea that there might just be some bad batches, but there have been too many strongly negative reports over a span of several years, so maybe there is a bigger quality control issue.

      Some unimpressed reviewers might think that the fancy bottle is seducing some of us to provide excessively favorable ratings, but I can honestly state that I can distinguish a Crystal Head martini from all other vodka martinis by the extreme smoothness and distinctly pleasant and mild flavor. I once was given something other than Crystal Head by the wait staff at a local restaurant when I had ordered a Crystal Head martini, asked to have the bartender remake the martini as ordered, then was served the terrific martini that I had expected. It is just that amazingly smooooooth and uniquely mildly bittersweet.

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Ashton

    3 *****

    I am an avid reader of this site and I was super excited to try this vodka. Ever since I bought a bottle of Ciroc Vodka (yes, because of Jay-z), I found a new love for vodka and spend way too much money on it. I have to say though, this vodka was not as smooth as people describe. For whatever reason, it burned my mouth and had a big after burn in my esophogus. I would much rather drink kettle1

    Ashton

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      Did the vodka remain offensive the entire time, or only for the first few sips when the bottle was first opened?

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Ashton

        Honestly, I haven’t really tried it since. Ill try some more glasses and get back to you.

        Reply

        • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

          Have you had a chance to try Crystal Head again? I have, on occasion, noticed a slight harshness and vinegar-like flavor for a sip or two after first opening a bottle of Crystal Head or opening it for the first time in a few months. After that, this vodka is outstandingly smooth and mildly bittersweet, which is ideal for a martini, in my opinion. I am not sure why this happens, but I am wondering if there is a corking issue.

          Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Justin

    No Rating

    This one is a strange one. I’ve had 3 bottles of this so far. 2 of the 750ml, and 1 of the big daddy 1.75ml head. All 3 bottles experienced the same result. I keep my high end stuff on top of my fridge at room temperature, and thats where these were all stored. They all started out great, with a taste that agrees with all of the positive reviews on this page. Fantastic stuff. But after about a month or so, the aftertaste began to become so bad that I had to use this vodka in only mixers. Even the smell of the vodka became strange. Did this happen to other reviewers?

    Justin

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      I once experienced a sort of odd vinegar-like flavor when I had opened a new bottle. However, it was fine weeks later when I tried if again. I wonder if there is a problem with the cork?

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By jackthegolden

    No Rating

    my understanding is that crystal head vodka is mainly manufactured in usa and canadian content only needs to be 10% by law. am inquiring about this for the truth.marketing hype or other.Will advise.

    jackthegolden

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Vodka

    No Rating

    Keep in mind crystal head is distilled 4 times and Jean Marc xo is distilled 9 so that could be the explaination for the smoothness comparison.

    Vodka

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By madness

      This bottle has been removed from my freezer, it now sits on the counter half full. I found it to have the most offensive aftertaste i have ever experienced in a vodka. I would drink smirnoff before I would ever try this again. I dont understand the positive reviews for this. the bottle shape/style is pretty awesome, especially coming out the the freezer all frosty.. but., I don’t believe I have ever poured vodka down the drain before.. at the time I had stoli elite, grey goose, ketel one, and smirnoff here as well. the only bottle that is still around, sitting half full on the counter is the Skull. Maybe its possible it was a ‘bad bottle’ but for the price, I’m not about to pay to find out. maybe drinking it in a mixed drink it would be better.. hopefully I can get rid of it at xmas :) bottle is really cool though

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Ken

    No Rating

    I wasn’t overly impressed. This vodka was far from flavorless in my opinion and had a funky after-taste. My wife, brother and sister-in-law all agreed. Maybe we got a “skunked” bottle. If it wasn’t for the autograph by Dan Akroyd, I doubt we would have bought the other two bottles. Bluntly – I’ve had better for less.

    Ken

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Scott

    No Rating

    I would like to say that using Simply juices (orange or lemonade or any other) as a mixer just ends in disaster. I’ve used them for several types of alcohol and they always had a weird and bad flavor.

    Scott

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Fred

    No Rating

    I purchased this stuff years ago and never opened it until recently n it is pure Ethenol. I drank it while camping and I used it as kerosene. I first purchased this in New Foundland where it is made for 40 some bucks and I seen the price for 70 in British Colombia, absolutely insane. The only reason I purchased this product was for the skull it was a total impulse buy. I read that it is triple distilled and then distilled once more in crystals maybe this is was it’s so pungent.

    Fred

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      @Fred, all I can state is that I’ve had Crystal Head martinis at home and in several nearby restaurants, and the cocktails it makes is consistently INCREDIBLY smooth and enjoyable. On the one occasion in which I tried it neat, it was also very pleasant. I am not sure why this vodka seems to elicit such extremely polarized feedback, but I do agree that it is a pricey luxury not for everyday consumption.

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

        @taffyg, I’m pretty surprised by the polarized views, as well. Ignoring the price, I only have good things to say about this vodka. I think, at least, we are on the same page about it!

        Reply

        • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

          @Robert, I had another INCREDIBLE Crystal Head martini at a local restaurant tonight! I just do not understand the horrendous reviews that some are posting here, as well. Perhaps, as David Williams stated, the poor experiences may be due to “boot legged” bottles. Who knows? All I know is that this is consistently uniquely smooth and makes a supremely enjoyable martini. Additionally, I am starting to notice that its’ price is going up at the liquor stores lately, while even the tantalizing Jean Marc XO’s prices are dropping below that of Crystal Head’s. Maybe the price increase is due to the demand for the superior vodka or perhaps it’s the result of the skull’s resale market.

          Reply

          • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

            @taffy Crystal Head has been holding steady here, but I usually only buy from ABC Stores. Usually, their prices go down over time, but don’t vary in price for a few years. It’s a good point about bootlegged bottles. I guess that’s a good reason to only buy from reputable sources. Unfortunately, I still can’t get Jean Marc XO around here. Last time I saw it was when I did the review, and that was in Chicago. I’d buy XO or Crystal Head, but if one were significantly cheaper, that’d make the decision easier.

            For the record, I’ve kept the 3 or 4 bottles I’ve bought. They are sitting in various places around my house. Oddly, not many people comment on them.

          • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

            @Robert, I have kept a few of the empty vodka bottles that I’ve enjoyed, too. I have put aside the empties of Crystal Head, Americana Luxury, and 360 due to their unique and attractive designs. The fact that they happen to be examples of some of my favorite vodkas, too, is a bonus.

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Mary

      So what you guys seem to be saying here, and I don’t mean to be singling you out, is that the whole point of distilling ethanol and calling it vodka is that is has no taste and doesn’t burn your throat? Why not just put that on the label? Tasteless Ethanol That Doesn’t Make You Gag.

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By randall

        mary,you hit the nail right on the head!

        Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By BoozePro

    No Rating

    Great bottle…horrible vodka. This will probably be a dead horse in a few years.

    BoozePro

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Chuck

    No Rating

    I tried a bottle in Chicago last month. Everyone who had it hated it, and I am the same. I usually do Tito’s or something similar to Monopolowa. I read that its a love/hate kind of thing, but everyone I knew who tried it before hates it. I want to do a blind test with this, but I am not going to shell out 60 dollars again for it.

    Chuck

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By workshop777

    5 *****

    I recently got into Vodka’s and have been a fan of Goose and Ketel One. A buddy of mine recommended Crystal Head for me. I have seen the bottle in advertisements at bars and resturants but never had the opportunity to try it until recently.

    At Xmas I picked up a bottle of it for my friend that recommended it to me. He cracked it open there and I tried it and was very very impressed. Very smooth stuff. Enjoyed it unchilled and straight up right out the bottle.

    I highly recommend it.

    workshop777

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

      I had another opportunity to have a Crystal Head martini at a local restaurant again a few days ago, and I am now a firm believer that it is the BEST vodka that I have ever tried. I am convinced that it is even more impressive than the awesome Jean Marc XO that I’ve been enjoying at home currently. Every time that I’ve had a martini made with Crystal Head, it has been supremely smooth, pleasantly sweet, and without a burn or aftertaste. Oh, and did I mention that it was incredibly smooth yet? I have been dying to perform a side-by-side martini taste test with these two vodka titans, but this will have to do for now. Jean Marc XO is probably just as smooth (or very close), and also without a burn, but its unusual sweet barrel-aged flavor and aftertaste is not as clean and refreshing in a martini compared to Crystal Head. Crystal Head wins! 6 stars for Crystal Head! Oh, and the bottle is pretty striking, too.

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

        It’s a tough call when you have two vodkas as outstanding as Crystal Head and Jean Marc XO!

        Reply

        • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

          @Robert, I agree. Maybe I will reserve 3.5 oz. of Jean Marc XO in the bottle that I am currently drinking in hopes that I will obtain another bottle of Crystal Head for home enjoyment in the not too distant future for a side-by-side test. I need 3 oz. for a martini taste test and 0.5 oz. for a straight shot comparison. That will be the ultimate vodka contest in my opinion.

          Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Espana

    No Rating

    I just recieved a Crystal Head gift box from my wife as an anniversay gift and I love the little Skull glasses. I have yet to try the spirit itself though since it is quite expensive. I’m planning to save it for New Year’s eve. From what I’ve read online and you good people, you either like it or you dont. My usual vodka is Svedka and I prefer drinking it like a man; straight and neat. I’ll give my thoughts soon enough…Knowing myself I’ll probably crack that baby open before New Years Haha

    Espana

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

      I wouldn’t be able to wait!

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Espana

        Well you and I have something in common Haha. Popped it open the same night and have a splitting headache as I type this! Might have gone a little over board with it but thats only because it was surprisingly good. Not $50 good but smooth non the less. As stated above by other members, selling the bottle on Ebay is a good idea. Some people want it just for the bottle so why not sell it when you’re done with it and make an easy $25 – $30? It would make buying it for yourself a whole lot cheaper.

        Reply

        • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

          Always drink plenty of water before you go to bed if you can remember to. That usually helps with the headaches. I’ve not been motivated yet to sell any of my bottles on eBay. I kind of like having them sitting around. Good conversation pieces. How’d you like those “skull shooters”? They were way too big for me to call them shot glasses, but were the perfect amount for sipping on.

          Reply

          • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Espana

            Thanks for the tip. I dont think I could sell my bottle either. It was basically the reason I wanted it in the first place haha. I want to have 13 of them sitting around but that would take a while to accumulate. As for the skull “shooters” they’re kinda impratical for anything other than sipping the vodka or other spirits. Too small for other beverages and its a shot glass from hell if used for that purpose. They still make neat little collectibles though.

          • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Austijoe

            I don’t think I can even drink my bottle! I give myself the liberty of having a shot about every month!

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Mike

    No Rating

    I would love it if some of you vodka snobs would try tasting this stuff in a blind test. Vodka loyalty is probably 95% due to marketing strategies, which explains the popularity of this stuff. Tasted objectively, Crystal Head can be compared to $6 well vodka. Chilling vodka kills a lot of the aftertaste, and mixing vodka pretty much eliminates all differences between top and bottom shelf varieties. If you like Dan Ackroyd, then by all means drink Crystal Head. If you prefer drinking your vodka straight at room temperature, I would suggest the excellent-tasting midrange vodkas such as Svedka, Tito’s, or Absolute.

    Mike

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert

      @Mike has Crystal Head been around long enough to garner brand loyalty? If you’ve read our Grey Goose Review, you’ll know our stance on brand loyalty. The $50 price tag is more than I can afford if I was even interested in becoming a blind follower. I guess it helps that Alabama has little to no vodka advertising. In fact, the only things I’ve heard about Crystal Head (apart from their website) comes from other people who drink it. Like most others, I was impressed.

      I think comparing it to a $6 bottle of vodka is a bit dramatic. I know people have different preferences, but would you really pick Aristocrat, Popov, or Taaka over Crystal Head if given the option?

      That said, I’m right with you on the alternatives. I recommend Svedka and Tito’s to people far more often than I even mention Crystal Head in conversation. If you like Svedka and Tito’s, you may also try looking into Sobieski. The value is unbelievable.

      Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Jennifer Johnson

    No Rating

    I have Crystal Head Vodka avail autographed by Dan Aykroyd. Comes with pic of him sighning bottle. Have 3 good signiture and two smudged. Contact me @ [email protected]

    Jennifer Johnson

    Reply

  • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

    5 *****

    @Robert, I noticed recently that the forum’s rating of Crystal Head had dropped from a deserved 5 star rating to 4 stars. However, I just noticed that it was bumped up to 5 stars again today without any obvious review or rating additions. How does the forum’s star rating system work? BTW, if it is not already abundantly clear to those reading this thread, I love Crystal Head, and would give it 6 stars, if that were an option. ;-)

    taffyg2003

    Reply

    • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert Brodrecht

      In theory, it’s the sum of all the ratings divided by the number of ratings with some extra weight on the official review. It’s been awhile since I wrote the code and I’ve been meaning to revisit it. Someone else brought up a concern. I think these might be down to mental rounding being more forgiving than the code, but I was going to tweak the algorithm to account for the reviews helpfulness. So, I’ll be going over it sooner or later.

      Reply

      • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

        Thanks for your quick response and explanation. I just noticed today that there was a new 5 star rating posted about a week ago, but it was positioned in the middle of the thread, so I hadn’t noticed it before. That likely accounts for the rating uptick. That said, I am curious to know why new posts (not replies to previous posts) seem to show up out of date order. Is there a way that they could be arranged in date order for easier review?

        Reply

        • Crystal Head Vodka Review By Robert Brodrecht

          I recently swapped to sorting by helpful rating. Most of the traffic to the site is unique, so I wanted to put the best reviews higher up on the page. I agree, though, that the date sorting was more helpful for folks that are on the site a lot. I’m working on something to allow for different sorting options. I started on the code. If it’s not live tonight, it will be soon.

          Reply

          • Crystal Head Vodka Review By taffyg2003

            Thanks, Robert. This will make using the forum much easier for folks like me.

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