In 1909, the owner of The Macallan in Speyside, Roderick Kemp, passed away. Rather than control passing to his daughter Janet, it was her husband Alexander Harbinson who took the reins. However, when he also died in 1918, this time “Nettie” Harbinson resisted pressure and, despite her grief, secured the future of the distillery and the jobs of its employees by assuming control herself. Her dedication to the community of Craigellachie led her to rebuild the local area and craft whiskies such as what would become the world’s most expensive whisky, the Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.

The story of Nettie Harbinson’s determination and resilience will be played out this summer in a piece of immersive theatre, with scenes taking place around the Macallan Estate on the banks of the River Spey. Written by actor Debra Weston, whose film credits include Patriot Games and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is a live follow-up to a short film released last year, The Spirit of 1926, in which Emily Mortimer plays Nettie Harbinson. The film has a soundtrack by Simple Minds and costumes by Christopher Kane. It is the creation of Allan Scott, who has achieved success in two very different fields. He has written films such as Don’t Look Now, created The Queen’s Gambit and has been Bafta-nominated. But, as Allan Shiach, he is also the former chairman of Macallan, as well as Harbinson’s great-nephew.

July’s Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is “promenade theatre”.  Guests will explore The Macallan Estate as they watch and interact with professional actors portraying the likes of Nettie and Alexander, with whom they’ll share a picnic lunch made from local, seasonal produce and home baking.

They’ll also encounter Captain John Grant, for whom Easter Elchies House, The Macallan’s spiritual home, was built in 1700, as well as other important figures in the bygone days of The Macallan distillery, who will impart some of the details of the single malt’s production. The adventure will include locations rarely accessible to the public.

Stuart Cassells, general manager at The Macallan Estate, says, ‘We’re proud to be the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery to tell the story of our rich heritage through live performance. Nettie’s story is one of quiet heroism and profound legacy, which has informed the Estate’s past and played a significant role in shaping our future.’

In the spirit of Nettie Harbinson, The Macallan continues to make substantial investments in its portfolio of single malts, with a particular emphasis on the quality of the casks it sources.

The Macallan master of wood Stuart MacPherson frequently travels to oversee hand-selected trees being made into casks according to precise specifications. And the brand recently entered a joint venture with Grupo Estévez, a major player in Andalucia’s sherry triangle, with vineyards and bodegas around Jerez. This exclusive partnership will see their fine sherries used for seasoning The Macallan’s casks, ensuring the classic Macallan character of deep, complex fruits and warm spices in whiskies such as the Sherry Oak 18 Years Old.

A generous selection of Macallan expressions will be served during The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience, including high-age statements, limited-edition expressions, and a special surprise dram. Exeunt!

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience takes approximately three hours, is priced at £80 per guest, and is available to book for a limited period, running on select dates from Friday 7 July until Sunday 23 July inclusive. All experiences must be booked in advance with The Macallan Estate team. Find out more at themacallan.com