THE MACALLAN RELEASES GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FILM CELEBRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN BEHIND FINE & RARE 1926 SINGLE MALT WHISKY

THE MACALLAN RELEASES GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FILM CELEBRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN BEHIND FINE & RARE 1926 SINGLE MALT WHISKY

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.

The eight-minute campaign film, ‘The Spirit of 1926’ which will be screened in selected cinemas globally and available on The Macallan’s website and YouTube, celebrates her quiet heroism and her profound legacy and encapsulates the brand’s values in her character. It is set in Speyside, Scotland, primarily at The Macallan’s 485-acre Estate.

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

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.

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 existence is a direct legacy of Janet Harbinson’s commitment to doing the right thing for her family, the community and The Macallan.

Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan and a producer of the film, 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.”

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’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.

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’s exclusive soundtrack.

Emily Mortimer, who plays Nettie, 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.”

Jaume Ferras added: “Film is in The Macallan’s 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.

“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 Spirit of 1926 will be screened in select cinemas around the world and is available to view at www.themacallan.com from 16 November 2022.

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.

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.

The eight-minute campaign film, ‘The Spirit of 1926’ which will be screened in selected cinemas globally and available on The Macallan’s website and YouTube, celebrates her quiet heroism and her profound legacy and encapsulates the brand’s values in her character. It is set in Speyside, Scotland, primarily at The Macallan’s 485-acre Estate.

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

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.

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 existence is a direct legacy of Janet Harbinson’s commitment to doing the right thing for her family, the community and The Macallan.

Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan and a producer of the film, 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.”

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’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.

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’s exclusive soundtrack.

Emily Mortimer, who plays Nettie, 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 20^th 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.”

Jaume Ferras added: “Film is in The Macallan’s 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.

“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 Spirit of 1926 will be screened in select cinemas around the world and is available to view at www.themacallan.com from 16 November 2022.

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.

2012 Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

($149.99)

Bunnahabhain, originally founded in 1881, has, like many distilleries, had a rocky history. Built at a heady time for the Scotch industry, it is simply massive. The huge size helped it supply Highland Distillers (the precursor to Edrington) with copious amounts of smoky malt for blends like Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark. The 60s saw a doubling of the stills and the removal of the floor maltings, but eventually the 1980s took their toll and the remote distillery was mothballed in favor of easier to operate venues. While the closure was short, the distillery wasn’t really returned to its former glory until recent times. Now under the stewardship of Distell and with massive upgrades underway, Bunnahabhain, while still hard to pronounce, has become a household name (at least in those households that drink single malt). The enormous still provide ample copper contact giving a lighter profile to the spirit, but in a return the classic style of the 19th and ealry 20th centuries, this cask from Signatory is a first fill sherry butt of the highest order.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: October 27, 2022

The color of this 10-year is outrageous. It’s dark like molasses in the bottle and pours looking like XO Cognac from a big house. The nose is sherry-forward and loaded with toasted nuts, orange peel, and raisined fruits. If you diligently examine the aroma, you’ll find a plethora of malty goodness underneath. Sweet grain tea, chocolate malt balls, and the salty influence of the sea. On the palate, stewed fruits and a mushroomy umami note arise from the complicated interaction of spirit and cask. In a short 10 years, this has become a bomb of flavor from an epic distillery in an equally epic sherry butt. The finish highlights citrus, chocolate, and salted caramels and lingers for a long time. At 65.4% ABV, it’s no wonder it’s a powerful Scotch. With a touch of water, fruit tumbles forth bouncing between fresh and rancio notes. It’s a delightful cask with tons to offer. If you like a sherry bomb, you’ll be happy with this with no effort required. If you want a complex malt with a big sherry profile, but one that isn’t a one trick pony, this will reward the patient drinker willing to sit with a dram for an extended period of time.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: October 21, 2022

Lots of B distilleries coming from Signatory this year. I think the B distilleries rival the C distilleries in terms of the finest set of Scotch distilleries associated by an arbitrary factor like the first letter in the name. Nonetheless, we do very well with the B distilleries and a big part of that is Bunnahabhain! Somewhat like Bowmore, which offer some interesting if not always very exciting distillery releases, it is the independently bottled stock from Bunnahabhain to which we can attribute its stellar reputation. Although the quality contrast between distillery releases and IB bottlings is not as stark as its Islay neighbor, there seems to be a lot of really good Bunnah that makes it out of the clutches of corporate ownership. That’s likely due to the multiple owners this old distillery has had over the years, but as we see younger stocks in high-quality barrels come through, it becomes clear that the current owners aren’t opposed to divesting high-quality stocks to the right partners. The worry with such an active sherry butt and the sometimes more subtle spirit of the famously unpeated Islay, is that its character gets lost behind the bold sherry flavors. We’re very grateful to not have that problem with this stupendous cask. That’s not to say that it’s not absolutely packed to the brim with intense sherry goodness. The color is a deep, brown sherry. The dark nutty aromas of oloroso are tempered by the robust savory character of the malt, adding salty umami and an almost sweet, oceanic character. Less like the sea itself and more like the windswept sands and rocky beaches of Islay, with the salty churning currents of the straights of Islay bubbling in the distance. Rich roasted espresso beans, black berry jam, cedar, sweet tobacco leaf, dried mango, salt- and caramel-covered nougat candies. Rich and surprisingly drinkable at the extremely high proof, offering tins of molasses cookies and dark fruit compote, with a dark herbal quality. With water we have more vibrant plum and stewed peach. This thing absolutely loves water. Super complex now, with lots of dark chocolate and salted caramel. On the palate, it sweetens considerably, adding fruit and a caramel finish to the tanned hide and the old, antique wood. I just can’t believe this thing is only ten years old. So much going on here, this bottle will keep giving and giving for ages.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

*UPCOMING RELEASE* French Oak Old & Rare Second-Fill TD0109

Old & Rare
French Oak Second-Fill
TD0109

Tomorrow we release our first Old & Rare from a second-fill French oak barrel, TD0109. It’s the kind of whisky that fills an entire room with its aroma.

As our first Old & Rare release from a second-fill French oak barrel, TD0109 serves as an introduction to a new spectrum of flavour, one which is ruled by nuance and integration.

French oak refills are particularly eye-opening when in the old & rare realm because French oak is a wood varietal that’s all about tannin, structure and spice. Basically, they have an incredible amount of complexity. To experience all of that complexity, stripped back and deeply integrated over 16+ years is astounding, and we are honoured to be champions of this new realm of flavour.

French Oak Old & Rare Second-Fill: TD0109

Fresh cantaloupe, orange blossom, candied grapes and peaches & cream ooze out of the glass and fill the room. The base is bright and mineralic, reminiscent of a river rock smoothed by time. Surprisingly, the character of the ex-Tawny is still there, hiding in the background within the oak, presenting sweet raisins and a musky allure.

TD0109 is a feat of integration, and an absolute structural delight. Not a single sharp edge or wonky note to be found. Complete harmony.

16 years old, matured in a second-fill French oak ex-Tawny barrel, TD0109 yielded just 421 bottles.

Read the full tasting notes here

This whisky will be released via ballot.

The ballot will open for 24 hours from 10am Hobart time on Wednesday 23 of November. Further details will be sent via email prior to the ballot opening.

A note on our ballot system. Our policy is one entry per person, per household, per ballot. Our fraud detection algorithm detects multiple entries and removes them to ensure our whisky lands in the hands of our genuine supporters, so to ensure your entry counts, please enter each ballot once only. If you have any questions around our ballot process, you can email us at info@sullivanscove.com
Successful entries will be notified shortly after the ballot closes.

We’re bringing waves of colour to an otherwise black week, shining a light on some great golden whiskies that are bursting with character. Starting with a BANG, we’ve released three new bottlings that pack a powerful punch but are beautifully balanced. Taste and explore three different Flavour Profiles from Spicy & Sweet to Lightly and Heavily peated – the perfect spirits for the season.

Keep on scrolling to discover more or click on over to our website to browse our new November Outturn bottling list. For a festive feast, our Christmas Collection brings an exceptional selection of specially priced whiskies to enjoy, buy now before they are gone forever.

SEE NEW OUTTURN

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

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

Fancy a bottle of Arran 25 Year Old 2022?

This annual limited edition from Arran’s eponymous distillery is matured in a combination of ex-sherry and bourbon casks for a quarter of a century. Free from chill filtration and artificial colouring, only 3,000 bottles of this rare expression will be released each year.

If you fancy a chance at getting a bottle then sign up below for all the upcoming info you’ll need to enter our ballot!

On the nose there’s toasted oak, baked figs and spices, with fruity notes of orange peel and peach crumble emerging on the palate, before sweet chocolate and dark berries in the long and full finish.

Sign up for Ballot Information →

Glassware gifts full of Christmas spirit

from Glencairn Crystal

with new 3D visualiser to create perfectly personalised presents 

Scottish family run Glencairn Crystal can help bring some sparkle to your festive celebrations with their stunning range of crystal glassware. There’s something to suit all tastes and many items can also be personalised with bespoke engraving.

New for this Christmas, Glencairn Crystal has developed a cutting edge 3D visualiser for their online shop which enables you to add a special date, message or design to a wide range of glassware and to see how your engraving will look before you purchase the item, to effortlessly create a truly unique gift. 

The Glencairn Glass Range

The Glencairn Glass is now the world’s best-selling whisky glass, with over 5 million glasses sold around the world each year. Its unique and stylish shape has been crafted to enhance the enjoyment of all whiskies and to get the most out of your dram with its tapering mouth to capture those all-important aromas.

Brand new for Christmas is the beautifully festive snow white Glencairn Glass – the latest addition to the coloured range of glasses in black, blue, red, green, and shimmering gold.

Available individually (£9) or in various gift sets including the new Christmas Trio Colours Gift Set (six glasses in red, green and white) at £55, these vibrant Glencairn Glasses are a fun addition to any drinks cabinet and designed for blind tastings by disguising the colour of your dram.

Whisky connoisseurs will also enjoy the brand new Glencairn Tasting Gift Set with four Glencairn Glasses complete with caps, as well as a pipette for those who like to add a drop of water to their dram (£55).

Another festive gift idea is the Christmas Glencairn Glass Gift Set, comprising six clear glasses each decorated with a Yuletide message (£50).

If you want to keep it simple or perhaps you’re looking for a stocking filler idea, a single classic Glencairn Glass (uncut) costs £7 and a mouth blown, hand cut Glencairn Glass costs £28.

Decanter Gift Sets

Glencairn Crystal also has a wide selection of the finest decanters in both traditional and contemporary designs for an extra special Christmas present.

The Pot Still Decanter, inspired by the prodigious pot stills found in whisky distilleries, is a beautiful uncut, hand polished, lead-free crystal decanter. Currently a best-seller, it can be engraved to create a genuinely personal gift and comes in  a luxurious navy gift box lined with navy satin, priced £105.

Please visit www.glencairn.co.uk/christmas/  where you will find festive gift inspiration to suit all budgets, for delivery in both the UK and internationally. 

To use the new 3D Visualiser and to see how a personalised engraving will look on a wide range of glassware before you purchase simply hit “Add Engraving” when viewing the products and give it a try!

To guarantee delivery before Christmas please see the timings below:

International Personalised Orders – 5th December
UK Personalisation Orders – 12th December
International Blank Orders – 12th December
UK Blank Orders – 15th December

Glen Scotia x TWS 30th Anniversary

Glen Scotia 2016 TWS 30th Anniversary

The dram opens with ripe summer berries and creamy toffee, moving to juicy red apple and sweet clove, before red liquorice, and strawberry jam, with warming cinnamon and oak spice at the close.

£79.00
BUY NOW

A stunning five-year-old expression from Glen Scotia, bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop’s 30th anniversary! This dram was matured in a first fill Bordeaux red wine hogshead. The single malt perfectly balances warm and spicy flavours with delicious fruit notes. It arrives at 58.2% abv.

The expression opens with ripe summer berries and creamy toffee. Then, there is juicy red apple and sweet clove, before red liquorice, and strawberry jam, with warming cinnamon and oak spice at the end.

2009 Bruichladdich 11 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 4.1″ First Fill Bordeaux Barrique Cask#4180 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $329.99 View

2009 Port Charlotte 11 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 4.2” First Fill Jurançon Barrique Cask#1061 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $399.99 View

2008 Port Charlotte 12 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 3.2″ First Fill Bourbon Barrel Islay Barley Cask#3742 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $399.99 View

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

ARTEMIS ORION

Invergordon 30 Years
TWB Exclusive

ARTEMIS Orion 1st Launch Accomplished

We have lift off! Artemis 1 has launched from the Kennedy Space Center. The first crew-rated rocket to the Moon since 1972. A test flight orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth. Atop is the Orion spacecraft that is designed to carry up to six astronauts to the Moon and beyond.

To commemorate the successful launch of Artemis 1 we have selected a very special 1991 vintage single cask (ex-Islay) barrel from Invergordon distillery in the Scottish Highlands. The label depicts the blueprints of the Orion spacecraft, the next era of human exploration. Just 204 number bottles, but you don’t have to be an astronaut to buy one!

MAXIMUM 1 BOTTLE PER CUSTOMER

Buy – Orion – £150 / €143* / $149* / c$198*

BENROMACH 20 Year-Old Single Cask 

We are very excited to introduce our newest shop exclusive!

This single-cask Speyside malt was distilled on the 27th of May 2002 at the Benromach Distillery. It spent 20 years maturing in a First-fill Bourbon Barrell before being bottled exclusively for our shop at cask strength, without chill-filtration or artificial colouring – as natural as it gets!

This incredible dram opens with roasted hazelnut, buttery toffee and caramel on the nose. The palate is complex, rich and warm, with more hazelnuts, butterscotch and a whiff of smoke.

Only 203 bottles were produced.

£169.99

SHOP NOW