The Macallan‘s newest Carta Nautica, a travel retail exclusive, made its world debut at Singapore’s Changi Airport, and the immersive pop-ups celebrating it will be running into the new year
Singapore Changi Airport has long been a gateway to the rest of the world, and this season, it is also the starting point for The Macallan’s latest voyage. The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old was celebrated with a global launch event right here on our shores at Fico on East Coast Park last week. It’d made its world-first debut at Changi, where it was sold exclusively until 18 October, and has been available at select airports worldwide since 19 October.
One could say the whisky’s story is one of oak, time, and travel. It first matures in sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez de la Frontera, and is then moved into casks that previously held American bourbon; that transatlantic route gives the collection its name. Bottled at 42% ABV, it opens with orange peel, creamy vanilla, charred pineapple, and mango, with a softer note of apricot conserve. Peach tea, caramelised figs, leather, and chocolate orange follow on the palate. Dried tropical fruit, caramel, and toasted oak spice linger on the finish. This bottling retails at US$800.
American artist Amy Genser created the artwork on its packaging. Her paper-based works echo the movement of water and the organic forms of nature, and they give Carta Nautica its oceanic visual identity.
Those layered motifs extend across two pop-ups at Changi, created with Lotte Duty Free and Changi Airport Group. The first, at Terminal 3, runs until 22 November. The experience then moves to Terminal 2 from 26 November to 20 January 2027. Inside are illuminated arches, an underwater-inspired floor, sculptural coral forms in The Macallan’s signature red, and a wall introducing Nautyria, the oceanic world at the heart of the Carta Nautica story. An interactive table traces the oak’s journey from North America to Jerez and Scotland, and travellers can move miniature casks along the route. A gifting station lets shoppers personalise their bottle with a Changi-exclusive blue Merlion cap.
For collectors, seek out The Macallan Carta Nautica Distilled in 1987, which is showcased alongside the 20 Years Old. It was matured for more than 38 years and bottled at 45.2% ABV. As the first in a new series of vintage releases, it arrives in a sculpted wooden case with flowing contours and is priced at US$13,500.
