Comic Book · Ardbeg Prestige x Tradd Moore An explosion of the senses, a marvel of print design

In 2024, the Scottish distillery Ardbeg on the island of Islay signs the rebirth of its famous Corryvreckan whisky–named after the great marine whirlpool to the north of the island. Using the very last of the historic casks that have housed this nectar since 1989, the distillery is creating 400 bottles of Ardbeg Abyss, an exceptional elixir over 30 years old. To celebrate this rare spirit from the abyss, transformed by new flavours, Ardbeg has created a collector's set. Each of the 400 bottles is accompanied by a sublime metal box in the shape of a diver and a marvellous comic strip designed by Tradd Moore, printed by us in a numbered limited edition.

Giving free rein to his imagination, Tradd Moore revisits here the legend of the Viking Breacan, well known to the inhabitants of Islay, in his own distinctive style. It is said that Breacan was challenged to stay in Corryvreckan for three days and three nights in order to be granted the hand of the Princess of Isles, but that he was also swallowed up forever by the raging waters. In the purest vocabulary of the brand, Tradd Moore's comic depicts his character's space-time journey through the Corryvreckan, beyond the cosmos and the abyss. However, his ending is happier than Breacan's, staging a true rebirth, like that of Corryvreckan whisky, which has become Ardbeg Abyss.

The poetic echo between the rebirth of the whisky and that of the character, between a maelstrom of the senses and a visual swirl, is sublimated in the cover of the comic itself. It features a marvel of four-colour litho printing, enhanced by selective screen-printed varnish in some spots. In this way, the main character is literally highlighted, subtly standing out from the rest of the composition thanks to luminous reflections. The whole piece is printed on silky paper, the soft-touch feel of which is intensified by lamination. This choice of material and treatment magnifies the depth of Tradd Moore's lines and colours, while giving a singular sensuality to the touch. The holographic foiling elegantly brings to life the brand's logo and the mention of the unique collaboration, adding the final touch to this truly collector's edition, which–on top of that–is numbered by hand.