The Macallan Pioneers Experience
Turntable | Olga Varvarova | The Whisky Event
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The Macallan Pioneers Experience
The Macallan Estate has announced the highly anticipated return of its immersive theatre experience, The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience, which has been adapted for 2023 with an inspiring new script featuring the remarkable story of former managing director, Janet Harbinson.
I was fortunate enough to partake in a sneak preview of the show in London, hosted at the Conduit restaurant in Covent Garden. While the space lacked the dramatic natural beauty of Speyside, The Macallan spared no expense in transforming the room with lush green grass, fragrant heathers, and an array of flora and fauna to transport us to the Scottish Highlands.
The immersive performance was elevated by an exceptional selection of drams, including new make spirit that allowed us to explore and appreciate its initial flavor profile. I found cereal notes being beautifully complemented by orchard fruits and pear drops, giving a rare insight into how all Macallan whisky starts its life.
This was followed by a Amontillado sherry that hinted at the casks in which The Macallan will be aged. I found this very usefull, especially when tasting the Edition 6 being able to look for the flavours previously encountered, which were very much in evidence, alongside toffee, ginger, orange peel, prunes and dark chocolate. It was delicious.
After enjoying a delicious dinner that included lobster and scallop brioche rolls, Norfolk asparagus, and Scottish steelhead trout, we indulged in the iconic Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak. This core age statement personifiesThe Macallan, and really is at its sweet spot, where the integration of fruit and wood gives rise to a beautifully complex dram. It boasts dark berries, vanilla, honey, chocolate, coffee, hints of spice, and a lingering finish. It's no surprise that it has become a benchmark bottle found in the finest hotels across the globe.
The Macallan is positioned in the top tier of whisky brands globally, with excellence at its core. Those visiting the estate this summer are able to pre-book the Pioneeers Experience, elevating their trip to another level. With regular flights to Inverness there really is no excuse not to take in the stunning scenery of the Highlands, warm hospitality of the Scots, and enjoy some of the finest whisky alongside the performing arts.
The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience
Following the success of The Spirit of 1926, The Macallan's first biopic that was released in November 2022, The Pioneers Experience is a theatrical journey that takes guests on an unforgettable adventure through The Macallan's 485-acre Estate, allowing them to relive some of the distillery's most notable moments and meet some of its most legendary characters from the past.
Janet Harbinson, affectionately known as 'Nettie', played a crucial role in The Macallan's history. After her beloved husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery at the time, passed away in 1918, Nettie took charge of the business to ensure the distillery would continue to thrive for its employees and the local community. Through her unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and care for those around her, she successfully kept the business running and played a vital role in rebuilding the local area.
Written by acclaimed actress and voice artist Debra Weston, whose impressive film credits include Patriot Games, Thunderbirds, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the script for The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience takes audiences on Nettie's journey, including her crafting of the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.
The experience will be brought to life by professional actors and actresses through a promenade theatre format along the banks of the River Spey. Guests will travel back in time to visit rarely seen locations throughout the Estate while enjoying a picnic lunch with Nettie and Alexander and other iconic figures, such as Captain John Grant, who was the first to recognize the potential of Easter Elchies Estate, 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 along the way, completing their journey through history with a whisky production tour.
Stuart Cassells, General Manager at The Macallan Estate, said, "We're thrilled to be the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery to bring our rich heritage to life 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, thanks to the help of Debora Weston and an exceptional team of actors from across Scotland."
As part of the exclusive, three-hour experience, guests will also explore areas of The Macallan Distillery that are not usually open to the public, including Warehouse No 7, one of The Macallan's oldest warehouses.
The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is priced at £80 per guest.
Turntable
Turntable was founded by two brothers, Gordon and Ally Stevenson, who share a deep passion for whisky and have a wealth of industry experience. Having spent over two decades honing their craft, they decided to embark on a journey to break away from the norm and revolutionise the world of blended Scotch whisky.
Although the liquid is of the most importance, it is rather superfluous if no one buys it. In a world where I often question label design (it can be appalling) their investment in the branding is unquestionable. It looks refined, contemporary and inviting.
It was designed by the agency “Thirst” who clearly earned their fees for this. At the heart of the packaging is 'the split', a distinctive diagonal line that divides the Turntable wordmark in the centre. This element reflects the concept of challenging traditional perceptions of blended whisky. On one side of the split, a tonal colour background features the embossed Turntable icon in gloss, while the other side showcases a unique abstract illustration that represents the flavour profile of each 'track”.
The launch consists of 3 blended whiskies appropriately named Tracks. I have noted the composition of the blend for your reference in my tasting notes.
Track 1
Knockdhu Chinkapin Barrel (17%)
Linkwood Virgin Oak Barrel (40%)
Girvan ex-Red Wine Barrel (24%)
Strathclyde ex-Cognac Barrel (19%)
On the nose, Track 1 is a delightful blend of tropical fruit, honey and creme brûlée. As I took a deep breath, my senses picked up the rich aroma of dark chocolate, which is beautifully complemented by the zesty tang of orange peel and baking spices.
Moving on to the palate, the first thing I noticed was a burst of warm, spicy ginger, accompanied by the sweet, warming flavours of cinnamon. The vanilla notes from the nose continue on the palate, but this time joined by a more earthy character that adds depth and complexity. I found it to be quite fruity with baked apple and apricots present.
Track 2
Caol Ila Virgin Oak Barrel (40%)
Cameronbridge Virgin Oak Barrel (23%)
Benrinnes Chinkapin Barrel (22%)
Invergordon Virgin Oak Barrel (15%)
On the nose, there is a beautiful aroma of campfire smoke, evoking memories of chilly autumn nights spent gathered around the fire. This is followed up by the sweet scent of salted caramel, with orchard fruits and baking spices.
On the palate, the whisky is a delicious mix of sweet and savoury flavours. The tropical sweetness of pineapple interacts with soft brown fudge and dark chocolate.
Track 3
Craigellachie Oloroso Sherry Butt (42%)
Balmenach Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon (44%)
Invergordon Ex-Sherry Barrel (14%)
Chocolate, raisins, hazelnuts and warm cinnamon danced from the glass as I nosed it. The palate reminded me of a chocolate brownie cut in half with damson jam in the middle. The result is a truly satisfying finish that left me on a rainy Thursday afternoon with a sense of warmth and contentment.
The Olga Varvarova Interview
You came to Scotland from Ukraine - what was the first whisky you tried and how were you introduced to it?
Sadly, I don't remember what was the first whisky I've tried here. It was during my first trip to Scotland right before Covid. I was celebrating the New Year with my best friend and my former partner. I can't recall what we went for whisky-wise, but that trip made me fall in love with Edinburgh.
What was the first bottle you purchased and why?
I haven't purchased a bottle yet, but am eyeing Glenfarclas 15-year-old as it is my favourite at the moment :)
What is it you love about whisky?
I love that it's not just a drink, it's an experience. Every sip takes you on a journey. It fascinates me how whisky changes when you warm the glass with your hands or drink it in the cool, fresh air. And the smell...it's warming, comforting, it envelops your senses in a big, soothing hug
You are at the beginning of your journey - is there any style or place you have fallen in love with already and want to deep dive into?
I've discovered that I'm drawn to Speyside whiskies the most. However, even though I'm not a big fan of peaty and smoky style, some of those knocked me off my feet, like Glenturret - stunning whisky. I'm open to trying any style and flavour, you never know what dram can surprise you the most 😉
Have you been able to visit any distilleries so far? If so, which do you love the most?
5. I have visited Holyrood distillery, Glenkinchie and Blair Athol at this point. I'd say Glenkinchie was the most informative one while Blair Athol was absolutely stunning. Holyrood had a lot of fun flavours. I'm definitely keen to continue exploring and visiting all of them!
You have started a whisky blog which is great - what are your dreams for it?
Thank you :) The main idea of the blog is pretty simple: to share my experience as a newcomer and to try as many whiskies as possible 😄 but also to talk to those in the industry and those who enjoy a dram or two, and hear their stories connected to the drink as that's what whisky is essentially about - the story, don't you think?
You are a keen runner and Yogi - have these always been passions of yours?
I'm a woman of many passions haha. Yoga's been my go-to for years. Running is something that I picked up here, but enjoy immensely, it's my therapy.
How are you finding Scottish food? What have been your favourite dishes and least favourite?
I love Scottish food! Haggis, black pudding - yes, please! One thing that is not quintessentially Scottish but can be found in many households is Marmite - that is devil's food, I imagine it's how pure evil tastes like
Do you enjoy Irn Bru?
I've never tried Irn Bru! I don't particularly enjoy sugary drinks, but maybe I should give it a sip, just to see what it tastes like
What whisky will be your next purchase?
Good question! I'd love to add Glenturret and GlenAllachie to my collection at some point
The Whisky Event
A lot of friends have booked tickets to this event which has not been held since 2019. From what they say, and the pictures they have posted, some pretty serious drams and poured so I have cleared my diary so I can go.
It will be a great opportunity to not only experience whisky you may not have tried before, but to make new friends and catch up with old ones.
I hope to see you there!
