Russia Awards Gold Medal for Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka

Published on: 2013/04/01 - in Entertainment Featured

Crystal Head vodka recently announced having won a Gold Medal for Excellent Taste at the 15th International Tasting Contest of the 2013 PRODEXPO Exhibition, in Moscow, Russia.

It was one of 400 vodkas that were entered for the competition the entries among over 400 other vodkas that were entered.

The exhibition, which took place from February 11 to 15, is the largest food exhibition in Eastern Europe and hosts the most prestigious tasting competition. 198 companies were in attendance representing beverages from more than 22 countries.

The panel of 11 judges were comprised of the best wine and spirit tasters in Russia. The committee are representatives of the National Institute of Beverages and Wine, National Institute of Food Biotechnology, and the International Association of Sommeliers in Russia.

When he learned of the award,  Crystal Head co-founder Dan Aykroyd said “Crystal Head Gold Medal – best tasting vodka in Moscow contest – a significant honor. Like winning best sushi in Japan! If Russians do not know their vodka, who does?!”

According to a media release, Crystal Head, was inspired by the legend of the 13 crystal heads. The heads are thought to offer spiritual power and enlightenment to those who possess them, and as such stands not as a symbol of death, but of life. Crystal Head is a Canadian vodka, completely free of any additives. This naturally pure vodka is produced using the highest quality grains and the deep glacial aquifer water of Newfoundland, Canada. It is quadruple distilled and filtered seven times. Three of the filtrations are through semi-precious crystals known as Herkimer diamonds.

“We are thrilled to have won Best Tasting Vodka in the largest bar show in Russia. Winning such a top honour in a country that has such a long history of great vodkas is very gratifying,” said Jonathan Hemi Vice President, Globefill Inc. “Russians are well known to have some of the most discerning palates for vodka and are known worldwide as one of the best vodka producing countries. This gold medal only further verifies for us that our vodka is more than just a stunning bottle. It is also the finest tasting, additive free vodka in the world.”

This medal joins other accolades awarded to Crystal Head, including being presented with a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011, where more than 200 vodkas were in competition.

Most recently CHV – which at one time was banned from being sold in Ontario (since rescinded) – received two additional awards at the 2012 Australian Liquor Industry Awards. The first was for Luxury Spirits – $75 Plus and the second for New Product of the Year.


April 5 UPDATE:
It appears it’s not just the Russians who like Crystal Head vodka. CHV has posted to their Facebook page: “Crystal Head is thrilled to reveal the collaboration of a lifetime! Partnering with one of the most iconic bands in the world, we are honoured to be the exclusive and official vodka of The Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary!” They also posted a photo (right) of the band’s limited edition Crystal Head commemorative Pack.

Watch Dan Aykroyd discuss the legend behind Crystal head Vodka as well as its intricate manufacturing process below (or on Youtube)


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Photo: Tina Hsu