Chris Milligan (aka: Santa Fe Barman) recently interviewed actor Dan Akyroyd about his involvement with Crystal Head Vodka. Here it is:
Chris: You have been involved with producing and distributing wine and spirits for several years. How did you get involved with this?
Dan Aykroyd: 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.
C: What is the most fascinating experience you have with the “invisible world”
DA: I am a spiritualist, a proud wearer of the spiritualist badge. My great-grandfather was a correspondent with Arthur Conan Doyle who was an author involved with the mediums and channeling activities that were going on at the time. I am a long-standing believer that there is more to these four dimensions that we live in.
C: What is the story behind the Crystal Heads?
DA: The story behind Crystal Head Vodka is one of positive spiritual energy. Thirteen of these polished skulls have been found on our planet. Eight are in the possession of individuals and institutions. Five are missing. Of the eight each one is unique. Some are green, orange, cloudy and crystal clear.
The origins of the skulls are controversial. However, everyone agrees that these beautiful pieces are symbols of enlightenment and hope for a better future. They are believed to be between 5,000 and 35,000 years old and appear to have been carved over a period of several hundred years – but they don’t bear any tool marks. Their very construction defies common logic.
They are believed to offer spiritual power to those who hold or possess them.
C: One of the Crystal Heads is believed to be here in the Southwest, specifically in New Mexico. Are you going to try to track it down while you’re here?