(Image Source: Ardbeg)

Islay giant Ardbeg has debuted their very own sci-fi comic book, Planet Ardbeg, a 40-page graphic novel inspired by the "origin stories" of the distillery's core three malt whiskies - the Ardbeg 10 Years Old, Ardbeg An Oa, and of course, the Ardbeg Wee Beastie.

The graphic novel was conceived and created by cartoonists Ronald Wimberly, Emma Ríos and Sanford Greene.

(Image Source: Ardbeg)

“When we first started thinking about making this graphic novel, I thought about Planet Ardbeg as a time machine. Time is important with whisky, and with Ardbeg An Oa, Ardbeg Wee Beastie and Ardbeg 10 Years Old what you’re talking about is three different time experiences.”

- Ronald Wimberly, Creative Director of Planet Ardbeg

Wimberly's "The Best Laid Schemes" wraps itself around the "feisty and formidable flavors" of the Wee Beastie, a neo-Western tale featuring giant botanicals and beasts.

Ríos' story "Take It With A Grain Of Sand" showcases the "peaty essence" of the 10 Year Old, taking us on a mystical quest through a land lost to time.

Meanwhile, Greene's "Guardians of Oa" is influenced by the "rounded balance and smoky power" of Ardbeg's An Oa, showcasing a copper city coming under attack from a monstrous creature.

(Image Source: Ardbeg)

“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.”

- Colin Gordon, Distillery Manager

(Image Source: Ardbeg)

The graphic novel will be available at the distillery's visitor centre, select comic book shops and also online at Ardbeg.com. Members of Ardbeg's Committee will be able to check out a free digital version (awesome!). Read it here now!

This comes ahead of the Planet Ardbeg campaign that will kick off in the UK in October 2022.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot