The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection charts a new course for Scotch whisky icon, led by a 38 Year Old

The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies.

As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with the oak travelling between continents before reaching The Macallan Estate in Speyside.

The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team developed the collection around an unusual maturation sequence. The whiskies initially mature in sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez before being transferred into casks that previously held bourbon from North America. The distillery says this combination brings depth, richness and complexity, with brightness and balance also shaping the resulting spirits.

The whiskies initially mature in sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez before being transferred into casks that previously held bourbon from North America…

Four whiskies, two cask traditions and one Atlantic crossing

The new collection comprises four expressions. The oldest is The Macallan Carta Nautica Distilled in 1987, a 38 year old single malt bottled at 45.2% ABV.

It began life in sherry-seasoned oak before completing its maturation in bourbon casks. The whisky is the first in a new series of vintage releases, and its packaging features ocean-inspired artwork by American artist Amy Genser.

The 1987 vintage offers creamy vanilla and caramelised peaches on the nose, alongside rich and antique oak, tropical pineapple, rose and a touch of pink grapefruit. The palate reportedly brings orange oil, berry compote and nectarine, with charred pineapple, leather and the sweetness of tarte au citron. Wood spice, tropical fruit and sultanas linger on the finish.

The second release, The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old, is a Global Travel Retail exclusive bottled at 42% ABV. Its cask journey also begins with sherry-seasoned oak before the whisky is transferred to bourbon casks. Genser has created a separate artwork for this expression, using layered colour, texture and pattern to evoke the movement of water and forms found in nature.

According to official tasting notes, orange peel and creamy vanilla lead the nose, followed by charred pineapple, juicy mango, apricot conserve and sweet red apple. On the palate, tropical sweetness and peach tea meet caramelised figs, with a wisp of leather, zesty grapefruit, chocolate orange and treacle cake. The finish brings dried tropical fruits, caramel and toasted oak spice.

The Macallan Carta Nautica, bottled at 43% ABV, is intended for Latin America and Mexico. Its release notes describe a character shaped by three cask journeys, bringing together sherry-seasoned American oak and casks that previously held bourbon.

The nose combines Tres Leches cake, vanilla cream and fresh fruit with almond-brittle nuttiness and zesty lemon meringue. White chocolate and floral honey lead the palate, followed by sweet melon, green apple and pear. Malt biscuit, citrus peel and gentle oak spice round off the finish.

Carta Nautica 105 Proof brings a higher-strength dram to the US

Completing the line-up is The Macallan Carta Nautica 105 Proof, a USA-exclusive bottled at 52.5% ABV. Its higher strength is said to give the expression a fuller-bodied profile, with the collection’s cask influences at the centre of its flavour.

The nose opens with nougat, vanilla and honeycomb, followed by almond-brittle nuttiness and lemon drizzle cake. Rich toffee and golden syrup lead the palate, balanced by poached pear, green apple and candied orange. The finish brings malt biscuit, citrus peel and gentle oak spice.

The Macallan Carta Nautica Distilled in 1987 is available globally through The Macallan website and The Macallan Estate Boutique, priced at $13,500. The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old is available worldwide, at $800. The Macallan Carta Nautica 105 Proof will only be sold in the USA, for $95. The Macallan Carta Nautica Latin America and Mexico edition price is TBA.