Comics and whisky correlate oddly well with one another, so it makes since that cult Scotch icons Ardbeg are exploring this harmonization with the launch of its own graphic novel, Planet Ardbeg. Created by three cutting-edge artists, the limited-edition, 40-page sci-fi anthology explores the ‘origin stories’ of three Ardbeg expressions: Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg An Oa, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie.
Conceived by award-winning New York cartoonist Ronald Wimberly in collaboration with fellow artists Emma Ríos and Sanford Greene, Planet Ardbeg uses the brand’s core range as a creative launchpad to produce a triptych of fantastical tales.
“Guardians of Oa” by Sanford Greene, which draws its influence from the rounded balance and smoky power of Ardbeg An Oa, is an action-packed epic about a copper city coming under attack from a monstrous creature. Meanwhile, Ronald Wimberley’s “The Best Laid Schemes”, which channels the feisty and formidable flavors of Ardbeg Wee Beastie, is a fast-paced neo-western featuring giant botanicals and even bigger beasts. Finally, “Take it with a Grain of Sand” by Emma Ríos, captures the complex peaty essence of Ardbeg Ten Years Old, and tells of a mystical quest through a land lost to time.
“When we first started thinking about making this graphic novel, I thought about Planet Ardbeg as a time machine,” explained Wimberly. “Time is important with whisky, and with Ardbeg An Oa, Ardbeg Wee Beastie and Ardbeg Ten Years Old what you’re talking about is three different time experiences.”
Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, added, “It’s amazing to see the different smoky characteristics of these whiskies brought to life in graphic novel form. Each story in Planet Ardbeg is brimming with imagination and creativity. It’s a must-read for Ardbeg fans everywhere.”
Planet Ardbeg will be available to buy at the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre, in selected comic book shops, as well as via Ardbeg’s official website in certain markets. A digital version will also be available exclusively for members of the Ardbeg Committee to read for free on the official website.
In August, Ardbeg unveiled Batch 4 of its permanent 19 year old expression, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van)