Sir Quentin Blake illustrates unique 63-year-old Mortlach whisky for charity auction

A unique collaboration between celebrated illustrator Sir Quentin Blake, whisky bottler Elixir Distillers, and creative studio Livingstone will produce a one-of-a-kind bottle of whisky featuring an original illustration of William Shakespeare to be auctioned for charity. Scheduled to go under the hammer on the 10^th of October 2025, the bottle will be offered as part of the Distillers One of One Charity Auction in partnership with Sotheby’s. The whisky, a 63-year-old Mortlach Single Malt Scotch, is accompanied by Blake’s signed, original artwork of the Bard – depicted in human form – marking a departure from his usual whimsical style.

The release belongs to The Macbeth Collection, an ongoing series of whiskies inspired by Shakespeare’s tragedy. The collection pairs specific Scotch whiskies with characters from Macbeth, portrayed as anthropomorphic birds in Blake’s distinctive hand. The special William Shakespeare edition stands apart, both in its subject matter and its singularity: only one bottle is being produced, and the accompanying artwork has been released exclusively for this purpose.

Sukhinder Singh, owner of Elixir Distillers, described the release as “the perfect combination of concept, outstanding Scotch whiskies, and beautiful presentation,” adding: “Distillers One of One is the ideal stage to pay a singular tribute to the Bard himself, and this stunning Mortlach, like Shakespeare, retains powerful resonance many years after its creation.”

The whisky itself originates from Mortlach Distillery, marked by a robust and complex spirit, produced via a unique 2.81-times distillation process. This particular expression was matured for 63 years in a first-fill sherry cask, a nod to the enduring legacy of Shakespeare’s work over four centuries. The spirit also passed through Mortlach’s iconic still, The Wee Witchie, three times, echoing the three witches of Macbeth.

Sir Quentin Blake’s illustration, printed only once on the bottle label, is also included in its original form within the presentation case. Alexis Burgess, founder of Livingstone, noted: “We are thrilled Sir Quentin also agreed to release the original drawing – very rare for his published work – for the folio enclosed in this Distillers One of One lot.”

The bottle and artwork will be available exclusively through the charity auction, with proceeds supporting youth-focused causes across Scotland.

Food Desk

For further information on Elixir Distillers, visit their website here. For more on The Macbeth Collection, visit Livingstone’s website here.