Description

The Macbeth Collection: Islay 26 Year Old “Second Witch” Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 51.5%           Age: 26 Years Old         Country: Scotland

The Whisky

The Islay 26 Year Old “Second Witch” is a spellbinding centerpiece of Act II in the Macbeth Whisky Collection. This series, a collaboration between Livingstone and Elixir Distillers, translates the characters of Shakespeare’s “Scottish Play” into liquid form. Bottled at 51.5% ABV, this 700ml single malt is a rare, high age expression from an undisclosed Islay distillery, limited to only 1,800 bottles.

The “Second Witch” is designed to be the “sweet” counterpart to the triad, representing the deceptive and alluring nature of the prophecy. To achieve this, the whisky was matured for over a quarter of a century and finished in First-Fill Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry Casks. The result is a profile that masks its intense Islay smoke under a thick, syrupy veil of dark fruit and spice.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich, dark, and intoxicating. You are greeted by sticky dates, treacle, and burnt orange peel, followed by a deep, earthy smoke. As it breathes, notes of cured meats, old leather, and a hint of medicinal sea salt emerge from beneath the sherry.

Palate: Decadent and mouth coating. The palate features a massive arrival of PX sherry sweetness—raisins, figs, and dark chocolate. Mid-palate, the 26 years of age reveal a sophisticated smouldering peat and wood ash character, balanced by clove and star anise.

Finish: Exceptionally long and drying. The finish lingers with a satisfying sweet and sooty quality, leaving trails of espresso beans, salted caramel, and a ghostly wisp of coastal smoke.

The Distillery

While the specific Islay distillery remains a mystery (labelled simply as “Islay”), the spirit possesses the robust, oily, and heavy-peated character typically associated with the island’s south coast titans. A unique factual detail: The label features an original “Witch” illustration by the legendary Sir Quentin Blake, and the series is curated by Lexi Livingstone Burgess and the renowned Dave Broom. This 26 year old reflects a period of Islay production where peat levels were high but the long maturation has “tamed the beast,” turning raw smoke into elegant, integrated embers.

Overall Review

The Islay 26 Year Old Second Witch is widely reviewed as a “sherry lover’s Islay dream.” Critics have praised its incredible depth and the way the PX cask manages to complement rather than crowd the 26-year-old spirit. It is a mandatory acquisition for those collecting the Macbeth Act II series or anyone seeking a world class peated malt with significant age.