The Macallan has released a short biopic revealing the real-life story of former managing director, Janet "Nettie" Harbinson, who, in 1926, crafted the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction: The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.
The eight-minute campaign film, which will be screened in selected cinemas globally and available on The Macallan’s website and YouTube (below), celebrates her profound legacy for the diltillery and encapsulates The Macallan’s brand values in her character.
Filmed on location in Speyside, Scotland (primarily at The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre estate), the film stars British-American actor Emily Mortimer in the lead role as Nettie, and was directed by Mike Newell, whose credits include Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco, Mona Lisa Smile, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The script was written by award-winning screenwriter Allan Scott, whose credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Don’t Look Now, Castaway and the recent Netflix series, The Queen’s Gambit.
Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane created a series of 1920s outfits for the film using historic, luxury fabrics from artisan suppliers including hand-crafted lace and bespoke The Macallan tweed, while Scottish rock group Simple Minds delivered the film’s exclusive soundtrack.
Janet Harbinson, known as ‘Nettie’ is a defining figure in The Macallan’s history. In 1918, her husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery at the time, passed away. After this, she assumed control of the distillery and, through her dedication to craftsmanship and commitment to the people in her local area (many of whom worked at the distillery), she kept the business afloat.
She also crafted The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, which achieved legendary status after it fetched £1.5m at Sotheby’s in 2019. Several years on, it continues to be the world’s most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction.
“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," said Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan and a producer of the film.
“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.
“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.”
“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," says Emily Mortimer, who plays Nettie about bringing her to life in the film.
“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.”
