Dan Aykroyd may be best known for his years on Saturday Night Live, as the tall thin half of The Blues Brothers, or Dr. Raymond Stantz (“Ray”) from Ghostbusters. What many people may not know about Dan Aykroyd is that he is a very accomplished and savvy businessman who is the importer for Patron in Canada and owner of several wineries in Niagara. Now his signature spirit, Crystal Head Vodka, has been making its mark. Well known for its cool crystal bottle, Crystal Head Vodka is out to prove that great packaging and a very well known and admired owner are just part of its success – it’s what’s inside that bottle that really counts.
We interviewed Dan Aykroyd about his involvement with Crystal Head Vodka, his experience as an owner of the brand, and the challenge he faces with having such an amazingly cool bottle.
How did you first get involved with Crystal Head Vodka?
It started when I brought Pátron tequila to Canada. At first we couldn’t get Pátron to Canada, so we spoke to Diamond Estates Wine & Spirits and got them involved.
As it turned out, they also have four vineyards in Niagara producing really great reds and really powerful world-class whites. One of the executives said, “While we’re doing Pátron, why don’t we develop a line of wines?” So through the Pátron distributorship, I bought part of the Diamond Estate and I’m now an owner of the four vineyards as well.
The Crystal Head Vodka originates from an idea my friend artist John Alexander had. He’s been going to the Mexican “Day of the Dead” celebration for some time. He has been putting skulls in his artwork for years. He wanted put tequila in a glass skull. It was a brilliant idea, but I’m the importer of Patron into Canada, so that would be like Pepsi salesman drinking Coke.
Then it hit me – let’s bring back the Mitchell-Hedges skull that was found in the Yucatan. Then I thought, “Why not use a liquid that is a pure spirit?” and we created Crystal Head Vodka.
Are you considering doing other products besides Vodka?
Crystal Head Vodka, other liquid libation projects, and my acting career keep me very busy!
Why do you think Vodka is such a popular spirit?
The proof of the liquid and the demand of the public is great. With many different countries (and even regions) producing their own vodka, consumers are interested more in the category now than ever before.
Which cocktail do you think shows off Crystal Head the best?
A favorite recipe of mine is “The Cranium,” which uses Crystal Head Vodka, cranberry juice and a splash of grenadine.
Cranium
1 1/2 oz. Crystal Head Vodka
Cranberry juice
GrenadineMethod: Pour Crystal Head vodka and Cranberry juice over
ice in a tall glass. Add splash of Grenadine (unstirred)
on the top.Garnish with blood orange slice.
What has been the biggest surprise for you with Crystal Head Vodka?
I am surprised at the number of people who become fans after one sip!
What has been the biggest challenge?
Getting people to open the bottle. Lots of times I hear that people buy Crystal Head Vodka for the bottle – that’s great but please crack that skull open.
Since I don’t think you have been any movies together, I don’t know if you know each other, but I was curious if there is a friendly rivalry between you and Bruce Willis with his Sobieski vodka.
No rivalry, Bruce is a spokesperson for his brand. I created Crystal Head Vodka and am the majority shareholder – there’s a much deeper connection with the brand.
