
The team behind Barrel Global has unveiled MaltyVerse, an innovative whiskey collection that combines limited-edition spirits with original comic book storytelling and artwork by illustrator Carl Harrison.
The project features exclusive single-cask releases paired with comic-style artwork and stories set in a futuristic universe where whiskey has become as precious as diamonds. The narrative follows the ABV (Agency of Barrel Vigilance) and its hero Agent W as they protect rare spirits from villains known as Drooms, led by the mysterious Mr. Neat.
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The MaltyVerse Scenes
The newest offerings, dubbed “MaltyVerse Scenes,” showcase Kentucky bourbon producers with digital comic content accessible via QR codes. The collection features:
- MaltyVerse x Green River Distillery (6 Year Old) – The MaltyVerse presents Green River Distillery’s A Wreck in Kentucky, a bold 6-Year-Old Bourbon that reflects the resilience of this historic distillery, founded in 1885 and recently restored to its former glory. This release offers a masterfully balanced flavor profile, making it a standout for collectors. Exclusive scenes can be accessed via QR code.
- MaltyVerse x MB Roland Distillery (5 Year Old) – The MaltyVerse presents No Pressure Whiskey, a 5-Year-Old Bourbon from MB Roland Distillery, renowned for its bold, locally inspired profile. Based in Pembroke, Kentucky, MB Roland embraces an artisanal approach, using food-grade white corn and locally sourced ingredients to craft spirits with unmistakable character. This release celebrates the innovation and tradition that define Kentucky’s craft distilling scene. Exclusive scenes can be accessed via QR code.
“I’ve always loved creating stories and I’m incredibly proud to share the MaltyVerse with the world, the first original comic universe tied to whiskey,” says founder George Koutsakis. “There are a lot of great great whiskeys out there, and many great independent bottlers. I wanted to bring a new layer of enjoyment to the whole experience. And do something completely different. We will continue to expand the MaltyVerse, with lore, storylines, and new characters and create a whole universe of fun tied to amazing single cask whiskeys from the fantastic producers we work with. This is only the beginning.”
Scotch Makes Its Mark
Another tier of the collection includes the Agent W Series, headlined by a 30 year old single cask scotch whisky from the Cambus Distillery. This release comes with a printed comic book telling the story “Agent W and the Secret Auction,” featuring a high-stakes chase for a stolen bottle.
Future Universe Expansion
MaltyVerse plans to expand its storytelling universe beyond whiskey, with future characters drawing inspiration from other spirits including tequila, mezcal, and rum. Each release is limited to a few hundred bottles, targeting both spirits enthusiasts and collectors interested in innovative packaging concepts.
The MaltyVerse collection is available through their e-commerce platform, with shipping currently available to 42 U.S. states.