Description

The Macbeth Collection: Jura 17 Year Old “Second Murderer” Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 48.5%           Age: 17 Years Old         Country: Scotland

The Whisky

The Isle of Jura 17 Year Old “Second Murderer” is a brooding and atmospheric release from Act II of the groundbreaking Macbeth Whisky Collection. Created by Livingstone in partnership with Elixir Distillers, this series pairs the tragic drama of Shakespeare with the artistry of Scotch whisky. Bottled at 48.5% ABV in a 700ml format, this expression is limited to just 1,200 bottles worldwide.

Unlike many Jura releases, this “Second Murderer” focuses on the distillery’s heavily peated malt, which has been matured exclusively in first-fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads. The combination of lean, linear smoke and rich sherry wood is designed to embody the “cold moonlight” and “untamed” nature of the character. The bottle features a bespoke illustration by the legendary Sir Quentin Blake, with poetic character notes written by acclaimed whisky author Dave Broom.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Intense and atmospheric. You are greeted by notes of sandalwood and amaro- tyle herbs, followed by the scent of damp wood, wet wool, and autumn bracken. A subtle, dark sweetness from the sherry provides a rich backdrop.

Palate: Extremely rich and lean. The palate features a “chiselled” profile of seed cake, ginger spice, and dark chocolate. The peat smoke is sharp and cutting, balanced by the oily texture characteristic of the Jura distillery and a hint of toasted almonds.

Finish: Long and lingering. The finish carries an elegant vanilla sweetness and a persistent trail of sooty smoke and herbal bitterness, leaving a chillingly beautiful impression.

The Distillery

Jura Distillery is located on the remote and rugged Isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides, where the red deer outnumber the human residents by thirty to one. Founded in 1810 and completely rebuilt in 1963, the distillery is the heart of its small island community. While Jura is widely known for its unpeated, oily, and fruity core range, this “Second Murderer” highlights their expertise in peated distillation. The distillery’s unusually tall stills (the second tallest in Scotland) produce a high purity spirit that, when peated and aged in active sherry wood, creates a unique profile of maritime smoke and spicy depth.

Overall Review

The Isle of Jura 17 Year Old “Second Murderer” is widely reviewed as a standout of the Macbeth Collection, praised for its “dark and reflective” profile. Critics have lauded its successful marriage of aggressive peat and sophisticated sherry, making it a mandatory acquisition for collectors of the series or fans of “alternative” Island smoke.