Macallan Carta Nautica: Everything You Need to Know

Macallan Carta Nautica is a collection of four Highland single malts, each matured in sherry seasoned oak casks and then in casks that once held bourbon: a 38 Years Old 1987 limited to 600 bottles at 45.2% ABV, a travel exclusive 20 Years Old at 42% ABV, a Carta Nautica without an age statement at 43% ABV and a 105 Proof at 52.5% ABV. The name is Italian for nautical chart and points to the transatlantic journeys that oak casks have made from Spain to Scotland since 1824.

Key Takeaways

• Carta Nautica is a collection of four Macallan Highland single malts, all matured in sherry seasoned oak casks before a second maturation journey in casks that once held bourbon.
• The Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition was distilled in 1987, bottled in 2026 at 45.2% ABV and is limited to 600 bottles.
• The 20 Years Old is bottled at 42% ABV and is a travel exclusive.
• The Macallan Carta Nautica at 43% ABV and the Macallan Carta Nautica 105 Proof at 52.5% ABV carry no age statement.
• The name means nautical chart in Italian and refers to the cask journeys from Spain to Scotland since 1824.
• The collection has its own oceanic world of mythical characters: Thallasia, Allasia, Nerifin, Iris and the Salmon of the Eldertide.
• The collection is on show at a showcase in Terminal 3 at Changi Airport from 28 September to 22 November 2026.

Tip: The four bottles share one navy design, so the badge on the shoulder is the quickest way to tell them apart: 1824, 105 Proof, 1987 or 20.

What Is Macallan Carta Nautica?

Carta Nautica is a 2026 collection from The Macallan, described as an exceptional release of whiskies that are each matured in sherry seasoned oak casks before a second maturation journey in casks that once held bourbon.

It arrived in stages. The 1987 was spotted first, in US label filings in March 2026, and the 43% Carta Nautica and the 105 Proof followed in May and June. The 20 Years Old completes the four bottles.

Why Is It Called Carta Nautica?

Carta nautica is Italian for nautical chart. The name refers to the epic transatlantic journeys that the oak used by The Macallan has made since 1824, when sherry casks crossed the ocean from Spain to Scotland to be filled with whisky.

Every label carries the estate house emblem and the date 1824, and each bottle wears a triangular navy badge on the shoulder, like a marker on a chart.

The Journey Behind Carta Nautica

According to The Macallan, the oak staves and casks used for its whisky have crossed the ocean since 1824, and the Carta Nautica Collection tells the story of that journey through three significant locations, each of which leaves its mark on the character of the whisky.

• The United States: casks that once held bourbon begin their journey to Scotland here, bringing balance, sweetness and brightness to the whisky. It is also where American oak starts its voyage to Jerez de la Frontera.
• Jerez de la Frontera, Spain: oak casks made from both American and European oak are seasoned with the finest sherry wine to develop depth, richness and warmth.
• Scotland: time and craft bring these influences together as The Macallan whisky matures in the travelled oak casks.

The Characters of the Carta Nautica World

To bring that journey to life, The Macallan created a mythical oceanic world shaped by movement, discovery and transformation. Characters appear at moments of passage and guide the story of the whisky. Here is who they are and what each one represents, according to The Macallan.

Thallasia

Thallasia represents The Macallan and a spirit of adventure. Born of bloom and tide, she guides the journey and signals purpose, continuity and the determination to move forward, carrying The Macallan towards mastery.

Allasia

Allasia was once part of the same community as Thallasia and represents the challenge to exception. As journeys accumulated and the ocean absorbed centuries of memory, doubt began to grow. Where Thallasia guides forward movement, Allasia questions it, testing resolve and purpose.

Nerifin

Nerifin is the keeper of crossings and lives in the Andalusian waters that lead to Jerez de la Frontera, where oceans meet land and the sea begins to carry warmth, richness and weight. Nerifin marks the threshold where influence gives way to transformation.

Iris

Iris is a mystical peacock who restores direction through light in the darkest waters. Iris represents the entirely natural colour of the whiskies, one of The Macallan's Six Pillars, and serves as a compass on the transatlantic journey.

The Salmon of the Eldertide

The Salmon of the Eldertide represent The Macallan Estate and the final stage of the journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the River Spey in Scotland. They are never seen alone and travel together upstream, carrying knowledge earned through endurance and offering clarity when difficult choices must be made.

The artwork on the Carta Nautica packs was created by the artist Amy Genser, who uses paper to build richly textured and colourful representations of natural forms, a look at the wonders that lie beneath the surface. The collection is guided by The Macallan's Six Pillars.

What Makes the Collection Different?

The Macallan is closely associated with sherry seasoned oak. Carta Nautica keeps that first journey and adds a second one in casks that once held bourbon, so each bottle tells a story of moving from one cask to the next.

The Macallan describes the 43% expression as having a sophisticated eccentricity, with an origin story that involves three cask journeys. The 1987 and the 20 Years Old both have an entirely natural colour. For another recent Macallan release, read 7 Things to Know: Macallan TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask.

Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition

The vintage bottle of the collection was distilled in 1987 and bottled in 2026 as a 38 Years Old at 45.2% ABV, with an entirely natural colour. It is limited to 600 bottles. The whisky began its maturation in the finest oak casks seasoned with sherry from Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, then moved into casks that previously held bourbon to complete its journey.

The official tasting notes point to creamy vanilla with caramelised peaches, rich oak and tropical pineapple with a touch of rose and pink grapefruit. The palate brings antique oak with orange oil, berry compote and nectarines, a twist of charred pineapple and leather and sweet tarte au citron. The finish holds lingering wood spice, tropical fruit and luscious sultana.

Macallan 20 Years Old Carta Nautica

The 20 Years Old is a travel exclusive bottled at 42% ABV with an entirely natural colour. It is matured in an anomalous selection of sherry seasoned oak casks and casks that previously held bourbon, and The Macallan calls it an expressive legacy of travel and time.

Vibrant orange peel and charred pineapple lead to a finish of dried tropical fruits, caramel and toasted oak spice. According to The Macallan, the whisky reveals an intriguing notion of travel on the nose, palate and finish.

Macallan Carta Nautica

The Macallan Carta Nautica carries no age statement and is bottled at 43% ABV. It is matured in sherry seasoned American oak casks and casks that previously held bourbon, some of which completed their maturation in sherry seasoned American oak.

The official tasting notes describe tres leches cake, vanilla cream and fresh fruits on the nose, with a nuttiness like almond brittle and zesty lemon meringue. The palate is sweet with white chocolate and floral honey, balanced by melon, green apple and pear. The finish brings malt biscuit, citrus peel and gentle oak spice.

Macallan Carta Nautica 105 Proof

The Macallan Carta Nautica 105 Proof also carries no age statement. Its name states its strength: 105 proof is 52.5% ABV. It is matured in sherry seasoned American oak casks, bourbon casks and bourbon casks finished in sherry seasoned American oak.

The back label points to sweet nougat, vanilla and honeycomb on the nose, with a nuttiness like almond brittle and a juicy iced lemon cake. The palate starts with toffee and light sugar syrup, followed by cooked pear, green apple and candied orange. The finish brings malt biscuit, citrus zest and gentle oak spice.

How the Four Bottles Compare

• Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition: distilled 1987, bottled 2026, 45.2% ABV, 600 bottles, natural colour.
• Macallan 20 Years Old Carta Nautica: 42% ABV, natural colour, travel exclusive.
• Macallan Carta Nautica: no age statement, 43% ABV.
• Macallan Carta Nautica 105 Proof: no age statement, 52.5% ABV.

All four use sherry seasoned oak and casks that once held bourbon. What changes is age, strength and how easy each bottle is to find.

Which Carta Nautica Should You Choose?

Choose the 38 Years Old 1987 if you want the vintage bottle and the smallest run of the collection. Choose the 20 Years Old if you want a stated age at 42% ABV and can reach travel retail. Choose the Carta Nautica at 43% ABV for the standard expression without an age statement, and the 105 Proof if you prefer full strength at 52.5% ABV.

Where to See and Find the Collection

The collection is presented at a Carta Nautica showcase in Terminal 3 Departure Transit at Changi Airport from 28 September to 22 November 2026. There The Macallan has unveiled Nautyria, an oceanic backdrop with artwork by Amy Genser, illuminated arches and coral forms.

On Spiritory, the Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition, the Macallan Carta Nautica and the Macallan Carta Nautica 105 Proof are available. The 20 Years Old is a travel exclusive.

Tip: If you want to taste the 20 Years Old, look at travel retail first, because it is a travel exclusive and is not part of the standard range.

FAQ

What is Macallan Carta Nautica?

Macallan Carta Nautica is a 2026 collection of four Highland single malts, each matured in sherry seasoned oak casks and then in casks that once held bourbon.

What does Carta Nautica mean?

Carta Nautica is Italian for nautical chart. It refers to the transatlantic journeys that oak casks have made from Spain to Scotland since 1824.

What do Thallasia and Allasia represent in Macallan Carta Nautica?

Thallasia represents The Macallan and a spirit of adventure and guides the journey forward. Allasia represents the challenge to exception, questioning that movement and testing resolve and purpose.

Who created the Carta Nautica artwork?

The artist Amy Genser created the pack artwork for the Carta Nautica Collection, using paper to build textured and colourful representations of natural forms.

How many bottles are in the Carta Nautica collection?

There are four: the 38 Years Old 1987 at 45.2% ABV, the 20 Years Old at 42% ABV, the Carta Nautica at 43% ABV and the Carta Nautica 105 Proof at 52.5% ABV.

How many bottles of the Carta Nautica 1987 exist?

The Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition is limited to 600 bottles.

Which Carta Nautica is a travel exclusive?

The Carta Nautica 20 Years Old is a travel exclusive, bottled at 42% ABV with an entirely natural colour.

Where can I see the Carta Nautica collection?

The collection is on show at a Carta Nautica showcase in Terminal 3 Departure Transit at Changi Airport from 28 September to 22 November 2026.