THE ‘PIONEERS EXPERIENCE’ RETURNS TO CENTRE STAGE AT THE MACALLAN ESTATE

The Macallan Estate has announced the return of its spectacular immersive theatre experience, with an adapted script for 2023 highlighting the real-life story of former managing director, Janet Harbinson.

Following the story of The Spirit of 1926, The Macallan’s first biopic which was released in November 2022, The Pioneers Experience is a theatrical journey which explores The Macallan’s 485-acre Estate and transports guests back in time to be met by some of the most notable characters from bygone days at the distillery.

Janet Harbinson, known as ‘Nettie’, is a remarkable figure in The Macallan’s history. In 1918, her beloved husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery at the time, sadly passed.

Nettie was highly committed to the local community and following her husband’s 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 running and helped to rebuild the local area.

Written by actress and voice artist Debra Weston, whose film credits include Patriot Games, Thunderbirds, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the script for The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience follows Nettie’s journey, including her craft of the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.

Nettie’s story will be shared through a promenade theatre experience on the banks of the River Spey, moving through time and transporting guests to rarely-seen locations throughout the Estate. As they step back in time, theatre-goers will also enjoy a picnic lunch with Nettie and Alexander, as well as other notable characters such as Captain John Grant who first realised the potential of Easter Elchies Estate in 1700; the land that has been home to The Macallan Distillery since 1824.

Launching on Friday 7 July and running until Sunday 23 July 2023, this exclusive outdoor experience sees guests served select drams of The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky along the way, completing their journey through history with a whisky production tour.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is brought to life through the talents of professional actresses and actors.

Stuart Cassells, General Manager at The Macallan Estate: “We’re proud to be the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery to tell the story of our rich heritage through live performance. Nettie’s story is one of quiet heroism and profound legacy, which has informed the Estate’s past and played a significant role in shaping our future.

“The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is one of the most significant events in our calendar. It returns for 2023 with an exciting twist, with the help of Debora Weston and a team of extraordinary actors from across Scotland.”

As part of the exclusive, three-hour experience, guests will explore areas of The Macallan Distillery not usually open to the public, including Warehouse No 7, one of The Macallan’s oldest warehouses.

Located amidst breath-taking natural landscapes in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan Estate is a world-leading hospitality destination.

Home to every bottle of The Macallan’s incomparable single malt whisky, the serene countryside estate offers much more than just a whisky experience, with fine-dining, private shopping and fishing all available on site.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is priced at £80 per guest and is available to book for a limited period, running on select dates from Friday 7 July and until Sunday 23 July inclusive. All experiences must be booked in advance with The Macallan Estate team.

For further information, visit https://www.themacallan.com/ or contact estate@themacallan.com.

You can also visit The Macallan newsroom at https://www.themacallan.com/en/newsroom

About The Macallan 

Founded in 1824 on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland, The Macallan is renowned globally for its incomparable craftsmanship, creativity and innovation with each bottle of single malt whisky revealing its unique mastery of wood and spirit.

Social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of The Macallan, and as part of its commitment to establishing a positive legacy it revealed its award-winning new Distillery in 2018. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills and is located on The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate. To this day, the single greatest influence on The Macallan’s sought after portfolio of single malts is its sherry seasoned oak casks from which its whiskies derive their distinctive flavours, aromas and natural colour.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. 

About Janet Harbinson

Janet Harbinson, known as ‘Nettie’ is a remarkable figure in The Macallan’s history. In 1918, just months before the end of the First World War, her beloved husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery at the time, sadly passed.

Nettie was highly 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.

Without setting out to do so, 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. Its very existence is a direct legacy of Janet Harbinson’s commitment to doing the right thing for her family, the community and The Macallan.

A golden opportunity to bid for a rare blend from Bimber distillery is coming your way, made especially for mountain climber Philip Pinchin to raise money for Cobalt, the medical charity that his late mother supported. In April, Philip set off on an expedition to summit Lhotse at 8,516m, the fourth highest mountain in the world. The outcome was that whilst Philip didn’t summit due to health issues, the whisky did! A generous climber from Philip’s expedition took the miniature on their climb and summited Lhotse.  You can own this bottle by bidding in the upcoming auction.

One of the three 75cl bottles and the miniature that summited Lhotse will be auctioned on June 30^th until 8^th July by Scotch Whisky Auctions. This is an amazing opportunity to own a whisky with a fascinating story. This incredibly special Bimber is an entirely unique marriage of three different cask types, including some of their oldest and finest stock. Be part of this story and own a piece of history!

All proceeds from the auction will be presented to Cobalt.

Simply click here to get bidding!

About Cobalt Health

Each year Cobalt provides diagnostic imaging for over 130,000 patients with a fleet of mobile MRI, CT and PET/CT scanners supporting hospitals across the UK, at Imaging Centres in Cheltenham and Birmingham and with national lung screening. Cobalt pioneer innovation in medical imaging diagnosis by investing in equipment, integrated research and education to improve outcomes for patients now and in the future. The Charity also participates and funds research mainly in the areas of cancer and dementia and provides training for healthcare professionals on a local, national and international basis.

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

About Scotch Whisky Auctions

SCOTCH WHISKY AUCTIONS IS ONE OF THE UK’S BIGGEST WHISKY ONLINE AUCTION SITES, WITH AUCTIONS HELD EVERY MONTH. OFFERING 0% COMMISSION FOR SELLERS.

BIZARREBQ

Limited Edition

70cl | 50.9% ABV

Ardbeg’s first ever barbecue-inspired whisky, BizarreBQ is an exciting collaboration between renowned Master Distiller Dr Bill Lumsden and Pitmaster Christian Stevenson (AKA DJ BBQ). The spirit was matured in a combination of double charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks & unique BBQ casks, coming together to bring a sweet, tangy, smoky flavour.

 NOSE​​

Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Treacle toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon-dusted espresso rise up. A splash of water releases distinctively sharp citrus aromas, along with herbal notes such as fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and a suggestion of seared meat sizzles the senses.

PALATE​

The mouthfeel is alive with spice, like BBQ ribs smothered in chilli. A myriad of deep, warming smoke follows close behind in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. Ginger, aniseed and tar crackle on the palate with an aromatic woodsmoke edge.

FINISH​

The aftertaste lingers long and bold, with ginger, aniseed and with an aromatic woodsmoke.

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Ardbeg BizarreBQ has been matured in a combination of double charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks & unique BBQ casks, igniting a feast of aromas in hickory smoked ham, grilled artichokes, flamed steak & cinnamon dusted espresso.

Aroma: Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Treacle toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon-dusted espresso rise up.

A splash of water releases distinctively sharp citrus aromas, along with herbal notes such as fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and a suggestion of seared meat sizzles the senses. The undeniable smell of bonfire and BBQ embers lingers in the background.

Taste: The mouthfeel is alive with spice, like BBQ ribs smothered in chilli. A myriad of deep, warming smoke follows close behind in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. Ginger, aniseed and tar crackle on the palate with an aromatic woodsmoke edge.

Treat yourself and save 20%

Use the code EWA2306 when you buy any Certificate, Module or Diploma before midnight on Sunday 2 July.

Shop Courses

The leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 9,000+ candidates globally enjoy our SQA-Approved courses in Scotch whisky and gin. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person. 

Built in 2017 Lagg is a sister to Arran Distillery, but produces only heavily peated malts.This distillery is paying homage to Arran tradition, for hundreds of years, to increase their income, small Arran communities made their own spirit in illicit home-made stills. The resulting whisky, which became known as ‘Arran Waters’, was smuggled from Lagg and sold on mainland Scotland.

Lagg Kilmory Edition

The Lagg Kilmory Edition is a single malt whisky from the Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran. Matured in a 100% first-fill bourbon barrel, its 46% ABV is bottled without chill filtration and provides a natural pale gold colour. Enjoy the classic oak notes and subtle peaty aromas.

NOSE: Heather smoke and charred citrus.

PALATE: Initial burst of fruit gives way to subtle bonfire smoke.

FINISH: Long lasting finish.

£49.99

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CUSTOMER FAVOURITES:
FIVE STAR WHISKIES

Find inspiration for your next dram in our selection of five-star rated whiskies, featuring intensely smoky Islay classics, sherry bombs, elegant Japanese whiskies and more. Whether you spot an old favourite or you’re tempted to try something outside of your comfort zone, these drams are all worth a try.

Check out our full list of customer favourites – some of the most highly-rated drinks on our website, as reviewed by you!

SHOP CUSTOMER FAVOURITES

Lochlea Our Barley

£45.00

Meet the very first core range release from Lochlea – Our Barley! The acclaimed new single malt maker is a Lowland grain-to-glass pioneer, and this bottling celebrates the team’s journey so far.

Matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels, oloroso Sherry casks and STR barriques, Our Barley offers a sunny array of grassy, honey, peach and vanilla notes. It’s the perfect dram to sit with and sip on a summer day.

In the market for more sunshine drams? Scroll on down for four more of our favourite seasonal whiskies.

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ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY EXPANDS AWARD-WINNING

CLYDEBUILT COLLECTION

Ardgowan Distillery Company Limited has released a whisky dedicated to the crucial work carried out by riveters in the shipbuilding yards of the Clyde.

While waiting for the construction of its own distillery, Ardgowan has created an independent bottling business and launched the award winning Clydebuilt series of whiskies, inspired by the rich maritime history of the Clyde shipyards.

The fourth bottling, Clydebuilt Riveter, signals a move away from previous blended expressions, becoming the first single grain whisky in the Clydebuilt collection.

Clydebuilt Riveter encompasses a collection of fifteen exceptional casks meticulously sourced from a prestigious Lowland distillery, each one artfully matured in premium bourbon barrels. The flavour profile has been guided by the discerning palate of Ardgowan’s Master Whisky Maker, the visionary Max McFarlane, who commented:

“Clydebuilt Riveter has allowed me to further explore the depth of flavour found in Lowland distilleries resulting in a liquid that treats the senses to new delights and is sure to be another winner for Clydebuilt.

‘Riveter pours like liquid gold, with a nose that opens on dark fruit compote before moving into furniture polish, lemon curd, figs, leather and old books. The palate is dry and moreish, with butterscotch, five spice, mint choc chip and brown sugar. A lingering, lovely, and very smooth finish follows, drying down slowly.”

Riveter serves as a triumphant tribute to the masterful artistry and unwavering dedication of the Clyde Shipyards’ workers, whose unparalleled skill and unrivalled efficiency birthed the renowned term “Clydebuilt,” a synonymous expression for well-built ships.

Embraced by esteemed industry accolades, the previous Clydebuilt releases have garnered prestigious awards, with Clydebuilt Sailmaker being honoured with the coveted Master Medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2022, while Clydebuilt Shipwright earned a distinguished silver medal at the IWSC Spirits Awards 2022.

Bottled at 50% ABV and retailing for £52.50, Clydebuilt Riveter is available at www.ardgowandistillery.com and selected specialist retailers.

To purchase Riveter directly, click here.

To sign up to the mailing list and to receive exclusive access to future product releases from Ardgowan Distillery, click here.

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TASTING NOTES:

 NOSE:

Opens on dark fruit compote before moving into furniture polish, lemon curd, figs, leather and old books.

PALATE:

Dry and moreish, with butterscotch, five spice, mint choc chip and brown sugar. 

FINISH:

A lingering, lovely, and very smooth finish follows, drying down slowly.

ABOUT ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY LIMITED:

Ardgowan Distillery Company Limited has full planning permission for the construction of an eco-friendly single malt whisky distillery, gin distillery and visitor centre on the historic Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip, 30 miles west of Glasgow.

Ardgowan Distillery Limited has invested in world-class technologies to put sustainability at the heart of its plans, aiming to become carbon negative. The distillery will begin production in 2024 with capacity to produce up to 1 million litres of premium whisky per year, and the combined facilities will create up to 47 new local jobs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit: www.ardgowandistillery.com

Instagram: @ardgowandistillery

Twitter: @ardgowanwhisky

Facebook: @ardgowandistillery

Don’t miss out this month on the perfect pair of black label bottlings for a hot summer’s day – both of these beauties are 21-years old, from our Spicy & Sweet flavour profile, and have spent their entire maturation in first fill bourbon hogsheads. One’s a Lowlander, the other a Highlander – but both demonstrate whisky’s power to transport you with an explosion of aroma and a single sip. Intrigued? Well, have a gander at all the other SUMMERY black labels we have to offer..

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Cask No. 5.121 GOLDEN AUTUMN HARVEST

A delightful whiff of sweetness with spun sugar, fudge, marshmallows dipped in chocolate and caramel cups with nougat. Then be transported to Scottish summers with floral laurels, dried wildflowers, black fruits and cappuccino hints. On the palate pencil shavings, lemon, bitter chocolate, cinnamon and liquorice root.

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Cask No. 19.95 MASCARPONE’S KITCHEN

Prepare to be whisked away to the Mediterranean with this mascarpone with orange zest and notes of dark cherries. On the palate, a tingling mace followed by fennel, brown sugar and blood orange. This cask is a holiday in a bottle.

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Silent season is a tradition in the whisky industry where our Still Room and Warehouse close for rest and repair each summer. It’s not a job to be hurried as you can imagine. This year’s silent season will take place from 28 June – 10 August, which will also allow our production team to take a well earned rest after a busy year producing the Glengoyne you all know and love.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILENT SEASON AT GLENGOYNE

Although we won’t be distilling, the distillery and shop will still remain open 7 days and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to see the other side of distillery life. We have crafted a new range of Silent Season Experiences for you to enjoy, and you’ll be sure to receive a warm Glengoyne welcome.

THE TEAPOT TOUR AND TASTING

Until the 1970s, many distilleries used to keep their workers sweet with a daily dram; Glengoyne was no exception, but the tipple our workers enjoyed has a story of its own.

To celebrate the launch of Teapot Dram No. 9 join us for a tour of the distillery grounds where you’ll hear tales from Glengoyne’s rich past, and how this iconic whisky came to be. Then enjoy a tutored tasting to unlock the bold and complex flavours of two award-winning whiskies from the Glengoyne Collection. Finally, you’ll be taken to a special spot to enjoy a dram of the newly poured and much sought-after Teapot No.9.

After your tour, the distillery shop will be open if you’d like to take home your very own bottle of Teapot No. 9 before it sells out.

This tour is currently only available from 28 June – 10 August and does not include a tour of our production areas which will be closed for maintenance.

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