The Macallan has released a short campaign film based on the story of Janet Harbinson, the extraordinary woman behind the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction – The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 single malt Scotch whisky.
Harbinson, who was also known as Nettie, crafted the expression in 1926.
“Guided by her conviction and strong belief in doing the next right thing for everyone she cared about, she unconsciously made history and it is only right that we pay tribute to her” – The Macallan Global Creative Director, and producer of the film, Jaume Ferras
The eight-minute film, The Spirit of 1926, will be screened in selected cinemas globally and is available on The Macallan website and on YouTube (see below).
Set in Speyside, Scotland – primarily at The Macallan’s 485-acre estate – the film celebrates Harbinson’s “quiet heroism and her profound legacy and encapsulates the brand’s values in her character”.
Harbinson plays a key role in The Macallan’s history. Following the death of her husband Alexander in 1918, she assumed control of the distillery, keeping the business afloat and helping to rebuild the local area.
Harbinson crafted The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, which achieved legendary status after it fetched £1.5 million (US$1.8 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in 2019. Several years on, it continues to be the world’s most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction.
According to The Macallan, its existence is a “direct legacy of Janet Harbinson’s commitment to doing the right thing for her family, the community and The Macallan”.
The Macallan Global Creative Director, and producer of the film, Jaume Ferras commented: “We uncovered Janet Harbinson’s story when researching the background to The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926. We knew we had to share it as soon as we learned of her role in its distillation and maturation, as well as the deep influence she had on the future development of the brand.
“At its heart, this is a love story; it celebrates the love that Nettie had for her husband, her love for the local community, her love for nature and her love for the family business. She cared deeply about others and was determined to use her position at The Macallan to enrich the lives of those around her.
“Guided by her conviction and strong belief in doing the next right thing for everyone she cared about, she unconsciously made history and it is only right that we pay tribute to her.”
The Macallan collaborated with acclaimed director Mike Newell, whose credits include Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco, Mona Lisa Smile, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The film script was written by screenwriter Allan Scott, whose Hollywood hits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Don’t Look Now, Castaway and the recent Netflix series, The Queen’s Gambit.
Allan Scott is the pen name of Allan Shiach, a former chairman of The Macallan and great nephew of Nettie Harbinson. As chairman Allan Shiach took the decision to bottle The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 after 60 years of maturation in 1986.
The film also features the work of Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane while Scottish rock group Simple Minds delivered the film’s exclusive soundtrack.
British-American actress Emily Mortimer plays the role of Nettie in the film. “The story is all about people finding their vocation in life,” she said.
“There are some people who take what they do very seriously and care, not just about the product they’re producing, but about the people who work for them and what they are adding to the world. There’s something about that whisky, that was made under her watch in 1926, that symbolises the heart of the company and what The Macallan whisky is all about.”
“Film is in The Macallan’s DNA,” Ferras added. “Our whisky has appeared in the background of many movies and TV shows, even taking centre stage on occasion, and our former chairman Allan Shiach is an award-winning screenwriter.
“Turning Nettie’s story into a film was a huge challenge, but a bit like Janet herself, we felt compelled to follow the courage of our convictions and give her contribution the treatment it truly deserves.
“As a brand with a long Scottish heritage it was important to us to bring together the best of the country’s creative talent – people who are also dedicated to the incomparable creativity and craftsmanship for which The Macallan is renowned. Each of our incredible collaborators have done a magnificent job of bringing to life our vision of Nettie.
“We can never repay her for her wisdom, her courage, her care and her craftsmanship, but we hope through our film our gratitude as a brand shines through.”
*The Macallan is celebrating the launch of the travel retail-exclusive The Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica with a homepage makeover of The Moodie Davitt Report this week.
