New Release: Macallan Carta Nautica, a 38 Years Old 1987 Limited to 600 Bottles and Three More Expressions

New Release: Macallan Carta Nautica, a 38 Years Old 1987 Limited to 600 Bottles and Three More Expressions

The Macallan has unveiled the Carta Nautica Collection, four whiskies that are each matured in sherry seasoned oak casks before a second maturation journey in casks that once held bourbon. At the top sits the Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition, distilled in 1987 and limited to just 600 bottles. Alongside it come a Carta Nautica without an age statement, a 105 Proof at 52.5% ABV and a Macallan 20 Years Old Carta Nautica at 42% ABV, a travel exclusive.

A Collection Built on Cask Journeys

Carta Nautica is Italian for nautical chart, and the name points to the story behind the casks. The collection is inspired by the transatlantic journeys of the oak that The Macallan has used since 1824, when sherry casks made the long voyage from Spain to Scotland.

Each of the four new bottles follows that idea in its own way: a vintage from 1987, a 20 Years Old, and two expressions without an age statement at 43% and 52.5% ABV.

Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition

The Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition is the vintage bottle of the collection. It was distilled in 1987 and bottled in 2026 as a 38 Years Old at 45.2% ABV with an entirely natural colour, and 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.

Its official tasting notes point to creamy vanilla with caramelised peaches, rich oak and tropical pineapple with a touch of rose and pink grapefruit on the nose. The palate brings antique oak with orange oil, berry compote and nectarines, with 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 Macallan 20 Years Old Carta Nautica is 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. It is a travel exclusive.

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

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 Macallan describes a whisky with a sophisticated eccentricity and an origin story that involves three cask journeys.

Its 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, then 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, and 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 that were finished in sherry seasoned American oak.

Its 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.

On Show at Changi Airport

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.

Release and Availability

The Macallan 38 Years Old 1987 Carta Nautica Limited Edition, Macallan Carta Nautica and Macallan Carta Nautica 105 Proof are available on Spiritory. The Macallan 20 Years Old Carta Nautica, a travel exclusive, is listed there too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Carta Nautica mean?

Carta Nautica is Italian for nautical chart. The collection is inspired by the transatlantic journeys that oak casks have made from Spain to Scotland since 1824.

How is the Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old matured?

It is matured in an anomalous selection of sherry seasoned oak casks and casks that previously held bourbon, and it is bottled at 42% ABV with an entirely natural colour.

Is the Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old a travel exclusive?

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

How do the four Carta Nautica bottles differ?

The Carta Nautica is bottled at 43% ABV and the 105 Proof at 52.5% ABV, both without an age statement. The 20 Years Old is bottled at 42% ABV, and the 1987 is bottled at 45.2% ABV.

How many bottles of the Carta Nautica 1987 are there?

The Macallan 1987 Carta Nautica is limited to 600 bottles.