A Speyside distillery has released a short film to share the story of the woman behind one of its rare single malts.
The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 was crafted by former managing director Janet Harbinson, known as Nettie, which went on to became the most valuable spirit to be sold at auction.
She took over The Macallan Distillery in 1918 following the death of her husband and is now known as a “remarkable figure” in the history of the brand.
An eight-minute campaign film, titled The Spirit of 1926, has been created to celebrate her “quiet heroism and profound legacy”, while highlighting her commitment to the community and The Macallan employees.
‘She unconsciously made history’
The Spirit of 1926 will be screened in select cinemas around the world and can be viewed on The Macallan website from today.
Jaume Ferras, global creative director for The Macallan, was one of the producers of the film, and worked alongside director Mike Newell and screenwriter Allan Scott – with the latter also being the nephew of Mrs Harbinson and a former Macallan chairman.
Mr Ferras said: “We uncovered Janet Harbinson’s story when researching the background to The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 and 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.”
‘Symbolises the heart of the company’
Actress Emily Mortimer, who portrays Nettie in the film, said: “The story is all about people finding their vocation in life. It’s really about holding onto the memory of someone that you really love.
“Nettie is living in the first half of the 20th century. She just enjoys her life then her husband dies. She had to decide what to do with the business and she decides that she’s going to run it.
“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.”
The process of turning the story into a film was described as a “huge challenge” which was made possible by some of the country’s best creative talent.
Among the team was Scottish rock group Simple Minds, who composed the music for the film’s soundtrack, and Scottish fashion designer Christoper Kane, who incorporated the Macallan tweed into his designs for the costumes.
Mr Ferras added: “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.”
Conversation