Appartement 103 is thrilled to unveil its latest project for Ardbeg Whisky: Y2K – A Glitch in the Ardware. This unique, limited-edition release is the result of an exciting collaboration that marries Ardbeg’s rich history with our design expertise. From concept development, storytelling, naming to primary and secondary packaging design, we’ve crafted a whisky experience that reflects the intriguing era of the Y2K phenomenon.

The Concept: Y2K – A Glitch in the Ardware

As the world stood at the edge of the new millennium, anxiety over the Y2K bug ran rampant, with fears of digital meltdowns and system failures dominating the headlines. In the midst of this, an unexpected event occurred at Ardbeg Distillery: a small number of casks were accidentally sent to a remote warehouse. There, they remained forgotten, aging in the dark for 23 years. Today, those forgotten casks have resurfaced to become the ultra-rare and exceptional Y2K – A Glitch in the Ardware.

We love the symbolism of this whisky, which isn’t just a product of its time but also a testament to Ardbeg’s spirit of resilience. Created during the dawn of a new millennium, it marks a pivotal moment for the distillery, one that coincided with the formation of the Ardbeg Committee and a new era of whisky-making. This release is more than a whisky—it’s a celebration of that era, a milestone in Ardbeg’s story, and a symbol of the brand’s ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive.

The Design: A Homage to the Early 2000s

For this design, we were inspired by the visual culture and digital energy of the Y2K era. We wanted to create something that encapsulates the glitchy, computerized aesthetic that defined that moment in time. The packaging reflects this, drawing you into a pixelated, digitized world full of motion and intrigue.

We designed the bottle label and box to play on this idea of a “glitch in the system.” The box is made from bamboo with innovative CNC technology that is precisely cut from the bamboo sheet, creating pixelated indentations reminiscent of digital glitches. The contrast between the matte lacquered black finish and vibrant blue metallic accents captures the dynamic energy of the new millennium.

One of our favourite touches is the reimagined version of Ardbeg’s A icon and Ardbeg’s mascot, Shorty, the Dog, who we’ve transformed into a pixelated figure. It’s a playful nod to the Y2K culture that bridges Ardbeg’s past with its forward-thinking spirit. Every element of the design, from the typography to the futuristic color palette, was created to immerse you in the nostalgia and optimism of the year 2000.