Macbeth Figurines: 42 Character Set Created by Livingstone and Elixir Distillers
Macbeth's legendary drama steps off the stage and into a glass with the limited-edition Macbeth Collection. Known for his whimsical illustrations, Sir Quentin Blake takes on the role as the visionary artist behind this breathtaking series, alongside the eloquent whisky writer Dave Broom, crafting lyrical tasting notes. The adventure begins with Act One, featuring nine diverse spirits, each embodying the charisma of Macbeth's captivating characters.
Gathering the Troupe
The powerhouse team involved in this groundbreaking project boasts a strong pedigree in the realm of Scotch. Lexi Livingstone Burgess, founder of the creative design studio Livingstone, brings her unique eye for captivating design. Sukhinder Singh, proprietor of Elixir Distillers, adds his award-winning skills in independent bottling. Well-respected author and specialist writer Dave Broom offers his three-decade expertise, and Sir Quentin Blake, a knighted illustrator famed for his collaborations with Roald Dahl, brings his whimsical charm.
The Fateful Gathering
Lexi's fascination with the histories of whisky distilleries and their compelling narratives led her to envision this project. Identifying the parallels between the tales of loyalty, camaraderie, unyielding ambition, and fierce rivalry in the whisky community, she recognized the striking similarities to Macbeth's world. "I thought, 'This is just like Macbeth!'… and that was it," says Lexi. "The entire structure fell into place: the most renowned Scottish play brimming with captivating characters... all waiting to be cast as Scotch whiskies."
Lexi then shared her vision with Sukhinder, who found the connection between the Scottish king and their profession intriguing. "Sometimes a project presents itself that you can't refuse. This was one of them—a genuine one-of-a-kind proposition," says Sukhinder. Oliver Chilton, whisky aficionado and master blender for Elixir Distillers, joined the team with passion in his heart, excited about creating a diverse range of whiskies inspired by iconic characters.
Drawing the Characters
Lexi, having worked with Sir Quentin Blake for over two decades on various projects, knew she wanted him for this Whisky Macbeth. "He is an exceptional man—90 years old and still sketching every day. I knew he would illustrate the characters; he showed little interest until I mentioned portraying them as birds." Delighted by the idea, Quentin, known for his anthropomorphic bird drawings and affectionate view of illustration as a form of acting, completed a full set of sketches the very next day. "It was one of the most exhilarating moments of my career," recounts Lexi.
With the illuminating illustrations in place, it was time to pen the intriguing narrative: enter Dave Broom. Casting profiles were developed through deep readings of the play, "Smokiness imparted a sense of wildness and danger, a straying to the dark side. The blood and gore of this tragedy resonated with rich, sherried whiskies. Light and 'goodness' seemed best portrayed by refill American oak, with its golden, honeyed, gentle, and sweet hues," explains Dave.
Discover our favorite whisky here
Act One Unleashed
The Macbeth Collection will unfold over six acts, offering a curated selection of the finest Scotch whiskies. This impressive lineup includes The Leads (five regal malts), The Thanes (twelve noble malts), The Ghosts (six ghost distilleries), The Witches (three malts and a blend), The Murderers (four island malts), and The Household (ten characterful whiskies). Capturing the attention of whisky enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, these prized spirits will be revealed in 'Acts' across select markets globally. In the UK, you can find the opening act exclusively at The Whisky Exchange and Livingstone.
Reminiscing on their Macbeth series, Lexi Burgess commented, "It's a testament to the play. We felt a profound responsibility to do it justice, and I see the evidence of that hard work in the exceptional whiskies selected by Elixir Distillers, the eloquence and precision of Dave Broom's character notes, and in the illustrations by Sir Quentin Blake, who brings everything together with such an effortless touch."
Experience Act One of Macbeth's Legendary Collection through The Whisky Exchange****
- The creative team behind the Macbeth Collection, consisting of Lexi Livingstone Burgess, Sukhinder Singh, Dave Broom, and Sir Quentin Blake, each brings their unique expertise from various domains – home-and-garden (Livingstone), food-and-drink (Elixir Distillers and the whisky world), books (Dave Broom), and entertainment (Sir Quentin Blake).
- The Macbeth Collection, a series of lyrical tasting notes and diverse spirits inspired by Shakespeare's captivating drama, offers an immersive experience, making it a must-read not just for whisky enthusiasts but also for those with a keen interest in literature (books) and the arts (entertainment).
