ARDBEG’S FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL WILL EXPLORE ‘OUT OF THIS WORLD’
WHISKY TALES
<Sci-fi anthology is inspired by distillery’s smoky single malts>
In September 2022, Islay single malt distillery Ardbeg will take its first foray into the world of graphic novels, with the launch of Planet Ardbeg, a 40-page sci-fi anthology created by three cutting-edge artists. This limited edition publication is inspired by the unique flavours and ‘origin stories’ of three Ardbeg expressions – Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg An Oa, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie – and features cameos from some of the Islay distillery’s best-known characters.
Planet Ardbeg was conceived by award-winning New York cartoonist Ronald Wimberly in collaboration with fellow artists Emma Ríos and Sanford Greene, each bringing their own distinctive voice and style to the project. Using Ardbeg’s core range as their creative launchpad, together they have produced a triptych of fantastical tales as bold and unique as Ardbeg itself.
“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 flavours 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.
Ronald Wimberly, creative director on Planet Ardbeg, said: “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 Ten Years Old what you’re talking about is three different time experiences.”
Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, said: “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.com in certain markets. A digital version will also be available exclusively for members of the Ardbeg Committee to read for free at;
There will also be a full Planet Ardbeg campaign in the UK taking place in October 2022 so that consumers can explore and enjoy it in person – more details on the campaign will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Ardbeg Committee comprises more than 160,000 Ardbeg followers worldwide. Committee Members receive exclusive benefits, including invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. Anyone can join the Committee by signing up for free at ardbeg.com/committee.
For more information about Planet Ardbeg visit ardbeg.com
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Ardbeg:
Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.
About the artists:
Ronald Wimberly, the creative director on this project, is an award-winning American cartoonist, designer and founder of LAAB, an annual art tabloid examining race, gender, identity and visual culture. He has published several graphic novels, as well as shorter works for The New Yorker, DC/ Vertigo, Nike, Marvel, and Dark Horse Comics.
Emma Ríos is a Spanish comic artist, writer and editor with an international presence in the comics industry. She has worked for some of the largest American comics publishers, including Marvel, Image, and Boom! Studios. Her artwork has also appeared in such titles as Runaways, Amazing Spider-Man, and Girl Comics.
Sanford Greene is an award-winning American comic illustrator whose work has been published by DC Comics, Dark Horse, Image Comics, and others. He is best known for his work on Bitter Root, a dark fantasy/action comic series set during the Harlem Renaissance, which is now being adapted into a major feature film.
Planet Ardbeg retail info:
Planet Ardbeg will be stocked at a number of independent comic book shops and can be purchased online via the Ardbeg web store (see the link) in selected markets. It is priced at £8 in the UK and $10 in the US. A digital version is available free to all Ardbeg Committee members at www.ardbeg.com/planet-ardbeg
Ardbeg Committee:
The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 160,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at Ardbeg.com.
Awards:
Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky. Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013). At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’. The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100. Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best Cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt.
The Glenmorangie Company:
The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single Malt.
Responsible Drinking:
Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.