{"id":61084,"date":"2022-12-06T12:09:57","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T12:09:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/?p=61084"},"modified":"2022-12-06T14:08:38","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T14:08:38","slug":"the-macallan-releases-the-spirit-of-1926-campaign-film","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutyfreehunter.com\/blog\/the-macallan-releases-the-spirit-of-1926-campaign-film\/","title":{"rendered":"The Macallan releases \u2018The Spirit of 1926\u2019 global campaign film"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Macallan has released a short biopic revealing the real-life story of former managing director, Janet Harbinson, who in 1926 crafted the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The eight-minute campaign film, \u2018The Spirit of 1926\u2019 which will be screened in selected cinemas globally and available on The Macallan\u2019s website and YouTube, celebrates her quiet heroism and her profound legacy and encapsulates the brand\u2019s values in her character. It is set in Speyside, Scotland, primarily at The Macallan\u2019s 485-acre Estate.<\/p>\n

Janet Harbinson, known as \u2018Nettie\u2019 is a key figure in The Macallan\u2019s history. In 1918, just months before the end of the First World War, her husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery, sadly passed.<\/p>\n

Nettie was committed to the local community and following his death, she assumed control of the distillery as it was the best way to secure The Macallan for its employees and help the community. Through her passion and care for those around her and her dedication to craftsmanship, she kept the business afloat and helped to rebuild the local area.<\/p>\n

Without setting out to do so, she also crafted The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, which achieved legendary status after it fetched \u00a31.5m at Sotheby\u2019s in 2019. Several years on, it continues to be the world\u2019s most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction. Its existence is a direct legacy of Janet Harbinson\u2019s commitment to doing the right thing for her family, the community and The Macallan.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan and a producer of the film, said: \u201cWe uncovered Janet Harbinson\u2019s 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAt 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\u00a0<\/em>cared deeply about others and was determined to use her position at The Macallan to enrich the lives of those around her.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cGuided 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

To create the short film, which stars British-American actress Emily Mortimer in the role of Nettie, The Macallan collaborated with an array of leading creative talent including 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 script was written by award-winning screenwriter Allan Scott, whose Hollywood hits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Don\u2019t Look Now, Castaway and the recent Netflix series, The Queen\u2019s Gambit.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Allan Scott is the pen name of Allan Shiach \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

Globally renowned 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 The Macallan tweed, while Scottish rock group Simple Minds delivered the film\u2019s exclusive soundtrack.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Emily Mortimer, who plays Nettie, said: \u201cThe story is all about people finding their vocation in life. It\u2019s really about holding onto the memory of someone that you really love.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNettie 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\u2019s going to run it.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are some people who take what they do very seriously and care, not just about the product they\u2019re producing, but about the people who work for them and what they are adding to the world. There\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Jaume Ferras added: \u201cFilm is in The Macallan\u2019s DNA. 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cTurning Nettie\u2019s 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a brand with a long Scottish heritage it was important to us to bring together the best of the country\u2019s creative talent \u2013 people who are also dedicated to the incomparable creativity and craftsmanship for which The Macallan is renowned.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEach of our incredible collaborators have done a magnificent job of bringing to life our vision of Nettie.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Spirit of 1926 will be screened in select cinemas around the world and is available to view at www.themacallan.com<\/a> from 05 December 2022.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Janet 'Nettie' Harbinson managed The Macallan from 1918 to 1938.<\/p>\n

She was guided by her belief in doing the next right thing and during her tenure, she unconsciously made history.<\/p>\n

Discover more: https:\/\/t.co\/6Ayru6Q1jM<\/a><\/p>\n

Please savour #TheMacallan<\/a> responsibly. #TheSpiritof1926<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/KaYDAKW8lW<\/a><\/p>\n

— The Macallan (@The_Macallan) November 16, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n