Macbeth First Witch 19 years old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 51.7%

Three figures bent over a cauldron in the mist, a prophecy whispered out over the heather, and a 19-year-old Ardbeg dressed for the occasion.

Expert Review

Macbeth First Witch 19 Year Old is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Ardbeg, matured in Pedro Ximenez casks and bottled at 51.7%.

First Witch is the opening bottle in the Witches series, part of Livingstone's wider Macbeth Collection, where every release is named after a character from Shakespeare's tragedy and illustrated by British artist Quentin Blake. Underneath the imaginative label sits an unadulterated Ardbeg, left to rest on Pedro Ximenez casks so it can pull both sweetness and depth from the dark sherry wood. 1,800 bottles of this release were filled.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Tar and peat smoke meet a deep, dark sweetness of dried fig and raisin, with a hint of fish leather in the background.

Palate

Bold and oily, where the smoke is carried by syrupy sweetness, dark chocolate and a touch of salted liquorice.

Finish

Long, dry and smoky, with a final wave of spiced sherry and ash from an old bonfire.

Specifications

Name: Macbeth First Witch 19 Year Old
Distillery: Ardbeg
Bottler: Livingstone
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 19 years
ABV: 51.7%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Pedro Ximenez casks
Number of bottles: 1,800 bottles
Edition: The Witches – First Witch
EAN no.: 5060880923054

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Sherry-matured · Dark · Spiced

Investment Potential

Medium. A 19-year-old Ardbeg limited to 1,800 bottles, from a sought-after collection with striking artwork, typically draws in collectors as well as drinkers.

Did You Know?

Livingstone's full Macbeth Collection runs to 42 bottles, one for every named character in Shakespeare's play, and First Witch is the very first you meet in the line-up.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Macbeth First Witch 19 Year Old

Which distillery is behind Macbeth First Witch?

It's a 19-year-old Ardbeg from Islay, bottled by Livingstone under the name First Witch as part of the Macbeth Collection.

Why is it called First Witch?

The name comes from one of the three witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth, and the bottle belongs to a series of 42 releases, each named after a character from the play and illustrated by Quentin Blake.

How smoky is this release compared to a standard Ardbeg?

The smoke is just as pronounced as in the distillery's well-known releases, but the Pedro Ximenez casks add a dark, almost syrupy sweetness that makes it more layered.

Is Macbeth First Witch worth it?

With only 1,800 bottles, an age of 19 years and a sought-after collection behind it, it appeals to both the collector and the enthusiast, whether the bottle is opened or kept on the shelf.

How should the whisky be served?

Best served neat in a tulip-shaped whisky glass, so both the smoke and the sherry sweetness can unfold in the nose before you taste it.

Is this bottle a good gift for a whisky collector?

Yes. The combination of a rare Ardbeg, a fully illustrated design and a story rooted in Shakespeare makes it something a collector rarely stumbles upon themselves.

What defines whisky from Islay in general?

Islay whisky is known for its pronounced smoke and peat, drawn from the local peat distilleries use to dry the malted barley, and Ardbeg is regarded as one of the island's most uncompromising examples.