Finn Thomson Auchentoshan 1989 

32 Years Old The Rare Collection

£424.00

Choosing this cask was an extraordinary moment. It was one of three samples from Auchentoshan Distillery brought along on a family camping trip with Finn, his father and grandfather to the Glens of Perthshire. This was one of two samples from the same distillation in 1989, and though they matured in dunnage only three casks apart, they could not be more different—which shows the magic of the cask maturation process.

At 32 years of age, Auchentoshan can easily be blown away by the cask. Yet here we have the trademark zesty fruitiness that you’d expect from a younger Auchentoshan alongside earthy, nutty, autumnal notes that have developed over three decades. A brilliant liquorice finish adds the wow factor you’d expect from such an old whisky.

Only 180 bottles were produced.

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Finn Thomson Dufftown 1987 

34 Years Old The Rare Collection

£480.00

Originally the nutty backbone of Bells, Dufftown redefined itself as an ever so slightly more grassy style of whisky, now recognisable as Singleton in the modern day. Indeed, those old-style earthy and nutty notes are clear in this cask with a dark chocolate note shining through. How fitting it is that a whisky style originally produced for the blends of the time is now being consumed not only as a single malt but indeed as a single cask.

This cask is a personal reminder of how the world of Scotch whisky changes with time. While the names, stories and legacies will all stand the test of time, it is worth remembering that the liquid produced is ever evolving and changing. Just as no two single cask releases of Finn Thomson Whisky will ever taste the same – this Dufftown shows that even the most recognisable brands will also evolve to stay with the times.

Only 242 bottles were produced.

DAZZLING DRAM DEALS

All week we’re flying our colourful whisky flag and shining a light on some great golden whiskies that are so good they shouldn’t be overlooked. Dive straight in and explore these brilliant bottle offers, specially selected to tempt the senses and please the pocket. There’s three terrific Dazzling Dram Deals to enjoy, 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

GlenDronach 28 Years

Grandeur Batch #11. 2022 limited releases matured in the finest sherry casks. GlenDronach 28 Year Old Grandeur Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Batch #011 matured in PX and oloroso Sherry casks. Limited release of 3,181 numbered bottles.

Nose: Opulent and powerful with a symphony of sherry aromatics, interwoven with dark manuka honey, roasted almond and walnut. Baked plum and ginger captivate the senses, deepening to rustic vintage leather and freshly ground coffee.

Palate: Intense and full-bodied with dark fruit notes on a base of velvet and fine leather. A crescendo of black cherry and espresso adorns each mouthful.

Finish: Richly rewarding, with a persistent chocolate, liquorice and walnut finish.

MAXIMUM 1 BOTTLE PER CUSTOMER.

Buy GlenDronach 28yo»

£1,200.00

Glendronach Malt Whisky Distillery was established north east of Huntley in the Highland whisky region by James Allardice in 1826. The malting floors at Glendronach Distillery closed in 1996 and it was the last distillery in Scotland to heat its stills directly with flames from a coal-fired furnace, until it had to comply with new regulations in 2005. Glendronach Distillery is resplendent with a traditional cask iron mash tun, wooden washbacks, four stills. Famous for its well-aged and top quality sherried single malt, for example Glendronach 21 Year Old Parliament, and single cask releases. The distillery is now owned by Brown Forman of America.

Pittyvaich 1993 29 Year Old #3723 Description

An Unbeatable Holiday 4-Pack from a Best-Selling Brand
Elijah Craig Barrel Strength B522 and Toasty Goodness Pack (4x750ml) ($159.99)
Including reference-point favorites and coveted, allocated releases…

The iconic Heaven Hill distillery is the source for most of our best-selling whiskey bundles, and the Elijah Craig bottlings are the cornerstone of that success. Just in time for the holidays, we’ve assembled a must-have four-pack that will thrill longtime fans of this beloved brand, as well as anyone who just loves unbeatable value-for-price whiskey. Not only will avid bourbon aficionados be able to re-stock on the always excellent Small Batch and Rye at a below-market discount, but they will also get their hands on two highly coveted offerings that have always been under tight allocation—the Barrel Strength Batch B522, which just garnered 92 points and an Editor’s Choice designation from Whisky Advocate for its “perfectly tempered sweetness and depth,” and the 93-point Toasted Barrel, a ramped up rendition of the benchmark Small Batch that we seldom see on the open market. The best part, of course, is that our bundle price brings these four outstanding whiskeys to you for much less than what you’d pay at the individual retail prices, making it a can’t-miss proposition for bourbon lovers everywhere, or for anyone with a bourbon lover on their gift list. But fast action is required, as availability is limited.

Elijah Craig Barrel Strength B522 and Toasty Goodness Pack (4x750ml) ($159.99)

Heaven Hill makes some of the most sought-after whiskey in Kentucky. The Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and Barrel Strength releases are highly allocated and nearly impossible to find at MSRP. Here you’re getting a bottle of Barrel Strength B522 and Toasted Barrel plus the Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and Rye. If you add up all of the MSRPs this bundle not only gives you access to the hard to find items, but saves you $20 over buying all four bottles separately. Hard to argue with that. Re-stock your bar with two of the best staples coming out of the Bluegrass State and sock the fancy stuff away for a rainy day. If you’ve got a bourbon lover on your holiday shopping list this year, they’re sure to be thrilled with this box.

Elijah Craig “Small Batch” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Regularly $24.99)

91 points Whisky Advocate: “Subtly complex and nicely rounded. A bed of sweetness (caramel, vanilla) peppered with honey-kissed fruit, golden raisin, and a hint of marzipan. Pleasing oak grip and dried spice on the finish. A great value for such a high-quality bourbon. (JH, Spring 2017)”

K&L Notes: Coming from the great master distiller Parker Beam, the Elijah Craig bourbon has to be one of the best value bourbons on the market! Great balance of sweetness and spice. Also, at 94 proof, it has just the right amount of kick.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: May 24, 2017

Elijah Craig Small Batch remains one of the best values in the shop. Composed of 8- to 12-year-old bourbons distilled at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. Despite removing the age statement, Heaven Hill’s flagship brand remains one of the best values in the store. This style is dark, nutty, and honeyed with minty spice to round out the ultra-rich texture. The higher proof does great things for this one and not a whole lot of stuff can touch this in the price point.

Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) (Regularly $29.99)

94 points Whisky Advocate: “Elijah Craig always impresses with value, but until now has been confined to bourbon. This foray into rye whiskey sticks close to Elijah Craigs bourbon roots by using only the minimum-required 51% rye in its formulation; however, it does achieve a nice departure in flavor. Aromas include butterscotch, caramel-nut clusters, and peppery spice. The spice ramps up on the palate, carried forward by the full body, hearty proof, and mouth-coating texture, as cherry cola, baking chocolate, and darker fruits emerge. Priced a notch below comparable peers, this rye delivers powerful flavors that feel excitingly untamed, and will impress bourbon and rye lovers alike. *#7, Top 20 Whiskies of 2020* (JL, Winter 2020)”

94 points Wine Enthusiast: “The complex aromas suggest red fruit, vanilla and allspice. The first sips open with oak, leading to hints of dried cherry and cranberry midpalate. That fruit note extends into the elongated, mouthwatering finish, backed by cinnamon and cayenne heat. *Best Buy* (KN)” (03/2022)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: May 06, 2021

I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Elijah Craig Rye since it was first released to limited markets in the U.S. in early 2020. Over a year and many prominent awards and critical reviews later, it feels like I’ve waited a lifetime. Fortunately, now that it is actually in my glass, it has actually lived up to my expectations and the hype. It has fully delivered on the value proposition that is the Elijah Craig brand, a move that makes Heaven Hill one of the greatest in the business. The whiskey is bursting with flavor; rye obviously takes center stage, but it is so well supported by the high corn and malted barley content that it never overshadows its co-conspirators. Sweet spice (in other words, not peppery spice) envelops the palate. Generous toasted oak leans towards coconut. The caramels and vanillas are also there; I want to say prominent, but it isn’t the right word, because while it’s robust, there are no hard edges. It’s a rounded rye in style and texture. At 94 proof (the same as EC’s Small Batch Bourbon), it has the easy drinkability I associate with the brand without missing the punch so many modern whiskey fans love and expect. A modern classic, no doubt, and one that has managed to stay true to everything I expect from Elijah Craig. No easy feat considering the very high bar I hold for the mark.

Elijah Craig “Toasted Barrel” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Regularly $54.99)

93 points Wine Enthusiast: “This needs a few minutes to open up to reveal a rich caramel aroma. The palate is markedly sweet and spicy, showing vanilla, caramel and a mix of cinnamon and cayenne. Adding water tones down the heat and brings a flavor or cinnamon red-hot candies wrapped in caramel squares. A vanilla accent smooths over the long exit. It’s a small-batch Bourbon finished in toasted new oak. (KN)” (07/2021)

Whisky Advocate: “Initially reticent on the nose, with time this reveals gooey caramel, pralines, Hershey’s milk chocolate, and a touch of charred mint leaves. It’s chewy and occasionally sharp on the palate, with oodles of roasted nuts, polished oak, mint, peppery spice, dark chocolate, licorice, tobacco ash, and char. The medium-length finish holds tingling white pepper, unsweetened chocolate, and more polished oak. (SSB, Fall-2020)”

K&L Notes: This is a different take on Elijah Craig’s classic and beloved Small Batch Bourbon. A judicious application of a new toasted barrel takes the well-known profile of one of our best-selling bourbons and kicks it up several notches. This whiskey is a new offering from the brand and was recently launched on an allocated basis, making it highly desirable yet difficult to find.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Batch B522” Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) (Regularly $69.99)

92 points Whisky Advocate: “The maturity is instantly apparent, with a nose of chocolate cloaked in old oak and antique leather, but also offers red berries and aged herbs at the edges. Plenty of depth on a buttery palate of chocolate, almond, gooey caramel, vanilla ice cream, and ripe banana. On the finish, chocolate, raspberry jam, and espresso bean. This one has aged gracefully, with perfectly tempered sweetness and depth. *Editor’s Choice* (DF, Fall 2022)”

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

NOSE: Crystallised ginger, sherry oak and rich golden syrup.

PALATE: Sherry-soaked winter fruits, giving way to rich malt loaf topped with vanilla cream.

FINISH: Honeyed apricots, then toasted nuts.

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A Must-Have, Ultra-Classic Highland Rarity from Hunter Laing
2002 Pulteney 18 Year Old “Hunter Laing Old & Rare”
Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
(750ml) ($200.00)
“…one of the best products I’ve ever had from this lovely distillery.” —
David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

The inimitable team at Hunter Laing Old & Rare strikes again. In Scotch connoisseurs’ circles, the Old Pulteney brand holds a special sway as one of Scotland’s most distinctive, highly sought-after malts. Tucked up on the far Northern Coast, this special old distillery has built quite a reputation for its singular style—an old-school, ultra-classic Highland profile that satisfies every last criterion for excellence. This special Pulteney cask from a first-class independent bottler offers a truly quintessential expression of unpeated ocean malt, and 18 years in ex-bourbon cask have only ramped the complexity and character up to eleven. “This is exactly the type of Highland malt I like to drink,” declares K&L spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard, “an absolute dream, offering so much unique character and further solidifying Pulteney as one of the greats of the Northern Coast.” It’s hard to overstate the rarity of any opportunity to acquire Old Pulteney, and anyone who’s ever found the brand on the open market knows a distillery bottling at this age will run many multiples of the $200 price of this special cask. So, the truly astute collector will act quickly on what is undoubtedly a proposition of both world-class quality and remarkable value.

2002 Pulteney 18 Year Old “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($200.00)

K&L Notes: The wonderful Pulteney distillery in the town of Wick was at one point the most northerly distillery on the mainland of Scotland. This far-flung distillery was established to support the extremely popular fishing industry in the area. While the herring was plentiful, so were rowdy fishmen, leading to a prohibition in the town from 1922 to 1947. The extreme location of the distillery meant that all supplies for a significant portion of its existence had to come by boat. Now the Old Pulteney brand is starting to become more important, the stocks are now being diverted from blending toward the brand. It’s always been extremely rare on the independent bottler markets, and we’ve only had the honor of selling a few version from Gordon & Macphail and Duncan Taylor over the years. Now this cask from the excellent Hunter Laing Old & Rare line offers a completely classic Pulteney profile. Filled into a bourbon barrel in September 2002 and bottled in January 2022 at a perfect 18 years of age, this whisky is quintessential Pulteney offered in a way the distillery isn’t even able to replicate. If we were to have found an equivalent barrel under the owner’s brand, it would have certainly commanded 2-3 times this price, but be no more delicious. Expect a complex mix of mature malt and vibrant ocean character that exemplifies this excellent distillery. Please remember to add a drop of water or two to release the aromatic potential.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: November 08, 2022

This gorgeous cask of Pulteney is one of the best products I’ve ever had from this lovely distillery. Old-school and absolutely pristine, aged 18 years in a fresh bourbon barrel, this is exactly the type of Highland malt I like to drink. In lots of ways, it exemplifies the idea of unpeated ocean malt that the Northern Coast does so well. It’s not as waxy and oily as Clynelish, but with a tons of character. Let’s taste. The color is a vibrant pale gold. The nose is a complex mix of fresh herbs, salted fruit, tea tree oil, and very old, fine wood. On the palate, it’s very malty, extremely sweet, and approachable at full strength, but it’s obviously hiding tons of character behind its 118 proof. With a drop of water and some air, we’ve got a huge change—sweet malt, licorice candies, pulverized stone, distant waves, gooseberries, greengage, petroleum jelly, fragrant scrubby heather, and salty chutney. The palate remains extremely rich and supple now with more salt and a complex mixture of white raisins dipped in dark cocoa powder. This whisky is an absolute dream, offering so much unique character and further solidifying Pulteney as one of the greats of the Northern Coast. It may seem pricey compared to other 18-year-olds we sell/have sold, but is in fact an incredible value considering the quality and scarcity of this special malt.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 03, 2022

The Old and Rare bottlings from Hunter Laing are always of impeccable quality, and this cask is certainly no different. This 18-year bourbon barrel yielded only 197 bottles of a golden elixir that is sweet and honeyed, as well as salty and fresh. At 58.6% ABV, it’s a big whisky but not overly hot. The nose is full of marmalade, honey, sea spray, lemongrass, peaches, and malt balls. The palate is lifted and lively, jumping from honey and cream to snappy citrus and sweet herbs. With a touch of water, the fruit explodes into a tropical maelstrom set off beautifully by the salty tinge. The finish is long and clean. It’s a beauty all around.

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

Matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch #11 is the latest release of the richly sherried Highland malt. Expect richly spiced bramble wine and treacle toffee, to lingering Seville orange peel and nutmeg layered with caramel and maraschino cherry

MAXIMUM 1 BOTTLE PER CUSTOMER.

Buy – GlenDronach CS Batch #11 – £85 / $83* / €81*

Nose: Mulled cranberry, orange and clove liqueur meld with dark honeyed treacle on a base of nutty oak.

Palate: Richly spiced bramble wine and treacle toffee interweave with chocolate raisin, cinnamon maple and sultana

Finish: Lingering Seville orange peel and nutmeg layered with caramel and maraschino cherry.

Glendronach Malt Whisky Distillery was established north east of Huntley in the Highland whisky region by James Allardice in 1826. The malting floors at Glendronach Distillery closed in 1996 and it was the last distillery in Scotland to heat its stills directly with flames from a coal-fired furnace, until it had to comply with new regulations in 2005. Glendronach Distillery is resplendent with a traditional cask iron mash tun, wooden washbacks, four stills. Famous for its well-aged and top quality sherried single malt, for example Glendronach 21 Year Old Parliament, and single cask releases. The distillery is now owned by Brown Forman of America.

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.