The £1.5 Million Bottle That Changed Whisky History
In 2019, a bottle of The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 set a record when it sold for £1.5 million at Sotheby’s making it the world’s most valuable wine or spirit ever auctioned. Distilled in 1926 and bottled six decades later, this singular Scotch became an icon not just for its rarity, but for the dramatic story of resilience and vision that lies behind its creation.
Nettie Harbinson: The Woman Who Would Not Give Up
The journey of The Macallan’s most famous whisky began with loss and uncertainty. After the sudden death of her husband Alexander, managing director of The Macallan, Nettie Harbinson faced an agonizing choice: sell the distillery and step aside, or defy the expectations of her era and lead the business herself. Despite pressure to hand over the reins, Nettie refused to let go of her husband’s legacy.
“She was urged to be sensible,” recalls director Mike Newell. “But worthwhile things rarely come easily.” Nettie’s response was resolute: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” By taking charge, she ensured that The Macallan’s whisky continued to be crafted with care, quality, and ambition even as the world around her changed.
Turning Grief into Greatness
Nettie’s leadership was marked by courage, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the distillery’s mission. “She poured herself into creating The Macallan,” says Newell, “walking beside her lost husband in spirit and keeping his dreams alive.” Her personal strength became the backbone of a whisky that would one day achieve legendary status.
The Spirit of 1926: Telling a Story Worth Savoring
The remarkable life of Nettie Harbinson inspired the short film “The Spirit of 1926.” Scripted by Allan Scott her great-nephew and co-creator of “The Queen’s Gambit” the eight-minute film draws on real events to capture Nettie’s determination. “She went around the community helping people,” Scott notes. “She was that kind of person. A big message for today is a woman wanting to be part of the world of business and her determination.”
Directed by Mike Newell and starring Emily Mortimer as Nettie, the film evokes the spirit of 1920s Scotland in vivid detail. Designer Christopher Kane melded classic tweeds with modern flourishes for the costumes, while Simple Minds provided an evocative, soulful soundtrack. Scottish landscapes and a vintage Bentley set the scene for a story that’s as much about heritage as it is about whisky.
Tradition, Innovation, and the Heart of The Macallan
The film’s creative team brought together leading British talent, from narration by Sir Jonathan Pryce to Kane’s costume design and Jim Kerr’s music. But at its core, “The Spirit of 1926” is about a woman’s drive to uphold tradition and foster community. Mortimer was especially moved by Nettie’s blend of care and ambition. “Some people take what they do very seriously and care about the people who work for them, and what they are adding to the world,” she says.
- The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 was distilled under Nettie Harbinson’s leadership.
- The whisky’s value stems not just from rarity, but from a legacy of excellence and perseverance.
- “The Spirit of 1926” film celebrates the community, craftsmanship, and courage behind the brand.
- Modern Macallan whiskies continue to reflect the standards Nettie set nearly a century ago.
A Defining Chapter in Whisky and Women’s History
What could have been the end of The Macallan in 1926 became a triumphant new era, thanks to Nettie Harbinson’s refusal to let go. Her courage and vision still shape the distillery’s DNA today, with every bottle paying tribute to her legacy. The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 is not just the world’s most prized whisky it’s a testament to one woman’s power to change history, one cask at a time.
