The Whisky Blues #78 [The Vertical System Has Shut Down] Caol Ila 2010 14 years old

Steve McDonald is a renowned Canadian illustrator known for his highly detailed line drawings and fantastical depictions of architecture and landscapes. He is an international best-selling author, recognized for his coloring book series with Chronicle Books and his 2023 sketchbook collaboration with Field Notes. His past clients include Architectural Digest, Blueman Group, Amazon Prime, Entertainment Weekly, and The Atlantic.

Influenced by Moebius, Hayao Miyazaki, Roger Dean, the Group of Seven, and Frank Frazetta, his style is best described as "escapist fantastical realism." He values creativity, fun, and bringing joy, using any tools necessary to create unique work. 

'Cosmic Series' is the collaboration of The Whisky AGE and Steve which features stunning cyberpunk artworks. Each label is rich in narrative and intricate detail- truly awe-inspiring.

"The Vertical System Has Shut Down"

Here, people can see one another, yet reaching a different “building level” is nearly impossible.
“Building level” is no longer the right word — only the elders recall what it once truly meant.
There are no walls, nor floors — only an endless lattice of structures and bridges,
like a misassembled architectural model left in place on purpose.
Vertical movement has long ceased.
Only one thing remains unbroken: a single artificial light, shining from the shaft of sky above.
This is not a ruin — not yet.
It simply hasn't discovered its own sense of order.

Distillery: Caol Ila

Distilled: 7 Oct 2010

Bottled: 8 Oct 2024

Cask: Ex-Jamaican Rum JMWP Barrel #318192

Outturn: 217

Abv: 55.9% 

Illustration: Steve McDonald, Canada