Crystal Head Vodka Lunar Year Horse Limited Edition

This Crystal Head release dresses the trademark skull in metallic red with gold horses and floral motifs for the 2026 Year of the Horse, the third in the brand's Lunar series and made in small numbers. The liquid is the Canadian house spirit, but built on locally grown corn, a base that distils to a clean, gently sweet neutrality. It is run four times and, in keeping with Crystal Head, carries no added sugar or oils and is gluten-free. The collectible bottle and gift box make it as much a keepsake as a drink.

The nose is very clean, with subtle black pepper, a little vanilla and a hint of sweetness. The palate is full-bodied and smooth with dry, spicy pepper and a gentle creaminess, closing medium-length, warming and lightly peppery. That dry pepper edge is a good fit for an Espresso Martini: shake the chilled vodka with fresh espresso and a measure of coffee liqueur, then strain into a cold glass, where the spirit's peppery note cuts through the coffee's richness and keeps the drink from turning cloying.