Inspirit Brands has won the distribution rights to launch Hollywood film star, Dan Aykroyd’s super-premium vodka onto the UK market for the first time. The premium spirits arm of leading drinks brand development business, Global Brands, will seed Crystal Head vodka into the UK’s premium on and off trade markets.

Crystal Head was launched in the United States in 2008 as a joint venture between Ghostbusters actor, Dan Aykroyd and fine artist, John Alexander. Having a famous spokesperson and an iconic skull-shaped bottle helped the brand to attract an immediate following, which Global Brands hopes to replicate and amplify in the UK.

Marketing Director for Global Brands, Simon Green commented: "Crystal Head vodka is a really exciting brand and this is a pivotal time to be investing in the premium spirits market. A new generation of aspirational consumers who are looking for the 'wow factor' on their night out and are willing to pay for a quality experience has emerged. Premium Spirits is the fastest-growing category in the UK, so outlets need to premiumise their drinks offering and give consumers a reason to visit the trade. This is where brands like Crystal Head vodka come in.

"The skull bottle is so striking that we’re confident Crystal Head will cause a stir on the high end bar scene. The brand has developed an almost cult- like following in the US and we know that the story behind Crystal Head, along with its link to Dan Aykroyd, will make consumers want to be associated with it, and licensees’ reputations and profits will be boosted in return.

"Managing a collection of premium spirits such as El Dorado rum and Four Roses bourbon will enable us to position Crystal Head as the vodka brand to have on the back bar of any premium outlet in the UK."

The Crystal Head vodka bottle took two years to design and is based on the mystery of the 13 crystal skulls that have been found around the world, which some people believe contain healing powers.

Unlike many vodka brands on the market, Crystal Head vodka is a pure spirit with no additives that has been quadruple-distilled and three-times filtered through quartz crystals for an ultra-smooth end product.

Crystal Head was officially launched at the London Bar and Club awards in June 2011. Global Brands’ support package for the brand includes cocktail menus, signature serves, ‘uplighters’ to illuminate the crystal skull bottle on the back bar, skull shot glasses and branded bottle service caddies.