Life of widow behind whisky brand inspires new Scots film
YOU don’t have to be a whisky connoisseur to recognise the name Macallan and its proud Scottish heritage. However, mention the name Janet Harbinson and you might struggle to make a connection with the famous brand.
Known as Nettie, it’s thanks to Mrs Harbinson that Macallan, founded in 1824, went on to produce one of the most valuable bottles of wine or spirit to be sold at auction and keep the Speyside factory going after her husband’s death.
Now Mrs Harbinson’s story is finally being told and features in a film, The Spirit of 1926, staring Emily Mortimer.
The Macallan has released the short biopic revealing the life story of former managing director, who in 1926 crafted the valuable The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926. It celebrates her quiet heroism and her profound legacy and is set in Speyside, primarily at The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.
In 1918, just months before the end of the First World War, Mrs Harbinson’s husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery at the time, died.
The daughter of Roderick Kemp, who bought the distillery in 1892, Nettie was 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. She kept the business afloat and helped to rebuild the local area.
She also crafted The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, which achieved legendary status after it fetched £1.5 million 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 Mrs 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.”
Actress Emily Mortimer stars in the role of Nettie, and there was collaboration with acclaimed director Mike Newell, whose credits include Four Weddings and a Funeral and and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The script was written by awardwinning 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.
It is a story he knows well as Allan Scott is the pen name of Allan Shiach – a former chairman of The Macallan and great nephew of Mrs Harbinson.
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.
The Newsroom and Mary Poppins Returns star Mortimer 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.”
Mr Ferras added: “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.”
It is only right that we pay tribute to her
The Spirit of 1926 will be screened in select cinemas or viewed at www. themacallan.com from today.