THE ‘PIONEERS EXPERIENCE’ RETURNS TO CENTRE STAGE AT THE MACALLAN ESTATE

The Macallan Estate has announced the return of its spectacular immersive theatre experience, with an adapted script for 2023 highlighting the real-life story of former managing director, Janet Harbinson.

Following the story of The Spirit of 1926, The Macallan’s first biopic which was released in November 2022, The Pioneers Experience is a theatrical journey which explores The Macallan’s 485-acre Estate and transports guests back in time to be met by some of the most notable characters from bygone days at the distillery.

Janet Harbinson, known as ‘Nettie’, is a remarkable figure in The Macallan’s history. In 1918, her beloved husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery at the time, sadly passed.

Nettie was highly 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. Through her passion and care for those around her and her dedication to craftsmanship, she kept the business running and helped to rebuild the local area.

Written by actress and voice artist Debra Weston, whose film credits include Patriot Games, Thunderbirds, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the script for The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience follows Nettie’s journey, including her craft of the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.

Nettie’s story will be shared through a promenade theatre experience on the banks of the River Spey, moving through time and transporting guests to rarely-seen locations throughout the Estate.

As they step back in time, theatre-goers will also enjoy a picnic lunch with Nettie and Alexander, as well as other notable characters such as Captain John Grant who first realised the potential of Easter Elchies Estate in 1700; the land that has been home to The Macallan Distillery since 1824.

Launching on Friday 7 July and running until Sunday 23 July 2023, this exclusive outdoor experience sees guests served select drams of The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky along the way, completing their journey through history with a whisky production tour.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is brought to life through the talents of professional actresses and actors.

Stuart Cassells, General Manager at The Macallan Estate: “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.

“The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is one of the most significant events in our calendar. It returns for 2023 with an exciting twist, with the help of Debora Weston and a team of extraordinary actors from across Scotland.”

As part of the exclusive, three-hour experience, guests will explore areas of The Macallan Distillery not usually open to the public, including Warehouse No 7, one of The Macallan’s oldest warehouses.

Located amidst breath-taking natural landscapes in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan Estate is a world-leading hospitality destination.

Home to every bottle of The Macallan’s incomparable single malt whisky, the serene countryside estate offers much more than just a whisky experience, with fine-dining, private shopping and fishing all available on site.

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

For further information, visit https://www.themacallan.com/ or contact estate@themacallan.com.