HEROINE OF SCOTCH

The Macallan presents The Spirit of 1926, a short biopic of Janet Harbinson, the woman behind the world's most valuable bottle of liquor ever sold at auction

FONDLY KNOWN AS "Nettie", Janet Harbinson 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.

It was an exceptionally challenging time; the Great War had wreaked death and destruction across Europe. Despite receiving offers to buy The Macallan, Nettie remained deeply devoted to the family's legacy and local community and 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. Above all, she crafted The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, which achieved legendary status after it fetched a whopping £1.5 million at Sotheby's in 2019.

"Guided by her conviction and strong belief in doing the next right thing for everyone she cared about, Nettie unconsciously made history," said Jaume Ferras, global creative director of The Macallan.

Distilled in 1926 before being laid to rest in sherry seasoned Cask No 263 for 60 years, few could have foreseen this renowned whisky's astonishing future when it was originally crafted. However, its esteemed status would not have been achieved without Janet Harbinson's profound commitment to The Macallan and her visionary approach to securing stock.

The precious contents were divided into 40 bottles with 12 bottles released featuring a label designed by world renowned pop artist Sir Peter Blake and a further 12 artworked by Italian painter Valerio Adami. A one-off bottle.

was also released in 1999 featuring a label depicting Easter Elchies House by Irish artist Michael Gibbons.

Today, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 continues to be the world's most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction.