We’ve seen some truly stunning photos of alcohol up close before, but these images are truly something else.

American photographer and artist Ernie Button has been creating artwork by snapping photos of dried up whisky at the bottom of a glass. The amazing patterns we see result from both the composition of the whisky and fluid dynamics. As the whisky begins to evaporate, the ethanol concentration increases, which in turn increases the mobility of the receding contact line. As the contact line recedes, groups of particles from the preparation process are drawn along with it that are then deposited in radial patterns. And the result is pretty amazing.

Glenlivet

Bruichladdich

Glengoyne

You can find more images on his website.

[Via Live Science and Ernie Button]