Malty Verse launches whisky and comic range

Independent bottler Malty Verse has launched the ‘world’s first’ rare whisky and comic book range in the US, called Agent W.

Agent W is the company’s new core range of single cask whiskies, which is tied to an on-going real comic book series created by the team.

“There are so many amazing rare whisky brands and bottlers out there, all doing amazing things,” said George Koutsakis, whisky specialist and CEO. “I didn’t want to create something that already exists and so decided to do something completely different.”

“To move away from the more traditional labels and ranges that depict Scotland and its history, and create something modern, colourful – that’s just plain fun.”

The first release in the Agent W range is a 30-year-old Scotch distilled at the now closed Cambus Distillery. The whisky has been matured for 30 years in a first-fill Sherry butt, before being bottled at the end of 2021 at 48% ABV.

The whisky’s nose is said to start with thick, rich notes of dark fruit, spice, and dried fruits, while the palate delivers the notes of the nose, along with a touch of pepper, rich sherry, and winter berries. The finish is long and rich, with the dark fruit notes lasting throughout.

Following Agent W, the Malty Verse team plans to create and release a number of other bottlings, featuring a variety of fun characters, stories, and spirits. The Malty Verse will encompass a universe of different ranges and adventures.

While Koutsakis creates the stories and characters, award-winning illustrator, Carl Harrison, who acts as the company’s art director, illustrates the comics.

Koutsakis continued: “The story-telling part of the project is the most exciting for me, as a writer. Writing the comic book and creating the universe has been so exciting. And luckily I found Carl, a truly amazing artist, who manages to perfectly bring everything I write to life. I really hope drinkers become fans of W and his adventures.”

Harrison produces the art for numerous ranges and also heads up collaborations with other illustrators.

Agent W is available to purchase in the US directly from www.maltyverse.com for an RRP US$399.

Agent W has been limited to 550 bottles. It comes with a comic book, gift box, and exclusive access to the website’s comic section.

In August, Ardbeg partnered with three artists to create its first sci-fi graphic novel, called Planet Ardbeg.