The Macallan Releases New Carta Nautica Whisky Collection
The four-part series explores the global journey of the oak casks used to age its single malt Scotch whiskies.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cocktails
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The Macallan has introduced the Carta Nautica collection, a series of four single malt Scotch whiskies that document the global path of the brand's maturation vessels. The collection features a 20 Years Old travel retail exclusive alongside a 38-year-old expression.
Why it matters
The collection traces the movement of oak staves from North America to Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, before finishing their journey in Speyside, Scotland. It highlights the brand's commitment to a rigorous two-stage cask seasoning and maturation process.
The collection includes four single malt whiskies, featuring a 20 Years Old expression bottled at 42% ABV. The oldest expression, distilled in 1987, underwent 38 years of maturation and is bottled at 45.2% ABV.
The players
The Macallan
The Macallan is a renowned producer of single malt Scotch whisky based in Speyside, Scotland, known for its extensive use of sherry-seasoned oak casks.
The details
The whisky making team monitors every cask throughout its lifespan to ensure precise flavor and color profiles. Each expression uses a combination of sherry-seasoned oak casks from Spain and ex-bourbon casks sourced from North America.
Timeline
The oldest expression in the collection was distilled in 1987.
The 20 Years Old expression debuted at Singapore Changi Airport in September 2026.
The global rollout for the new travel retail collection began the week of October 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
This release follows the trend of premium spirits brands creating travel retail exclusive products to capture high-spending travelers in international airport hubs. It reflects a growing consumer desire for rare, story-driven luxury goods within the global travel experience.
Travelers can find the 20 Years Old expression at selected airport retailers worldwide starting late October 2026. Buyers should be prepared for the limited availability inherent to exclusive travel retail releases compared to standard market offerings.
The takeaway
The collection offers enthusiasts a look at how geography and maturation impact flavor profiles in high-end Scotch. Collectors should prioritize visiting duty-free outlets during their upcoming travels to view the new range in person.
Further reading
Explore the latest innovations in spirits and mixology in our Cocktails section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Whisky Magazine.
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