The epic transatlantic journey of our oak staves and casks has unfolded across the ocean since 1824, culminating in single malt whiskies of exception imbued with depths of flavour.
Derived from the Spanish term for ‘nautical chart’, the Carta Nautica Collection tells the story of that journey and the rich, immersive oceanic world that it inspires. Within this mythical world, we voyage to three significant locations that each leave their mark on the character of our exceptional whisky.
The Journey
The journey begins in the US, where casks that once held bourbon make their way to Scotland, bringing balance, sweetness and brightness to our whisky. It is also here that American oak begins its voyage to Jerez de la Frontera.
In Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, our oak casks, crafted from both American and European oak, are seasoned with our finest sherry wine to develop depth, richness and warmth.
The journey concludes in Scotland, where time and craft bring these influences together as The Macallan whisky matures in our travelled oak casks.
The Oceanic World
Long before routes were drawn on maps, before winds were named and coastlines defined, our mythical oceanic world was already in motion.
Inspired by the journeys of The Macallan oak staves and casks across the Atlantic Ocean, it is a world shaped by movement, discovery and transformation.
Within this world, mythical characters emerge at moments of passage, guiding us through the locations, influences and experiences that help shape the character of our exceptional whisky.
The Characters
Thallasia
Thallasia represents The Macallan and a spirit of adventure. Born of bloom and tide, she emerges where time slows and depth becomes silence. As guide to the journey, she signals purpose, continuity and the determination to move forward, carrying The Macallan towards mastery.
Allasia
Once part of the same community as Thallasia, Allasia 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 along the way.
Nerifin
Keeper of crossings, Nerifin inhabits the Andalusian waters that lead to Jerez de la Frontera, where oceans meet land and the sea begins to carry warmth, richness and weight. This is the realm of transition, and Nerifin marks the threshold where influence gives way to transformation.
Iris
In the darkest waters, colour survives. Iris, the mystical peacock, restores direction through light, illuminating the path ahead. His feathers unfold like constellations, cutting through darkness when direction is lost. Iris represents the entirely natural colour of our whiskies, one of our Six Pillars, and serves as a compass on this transatlantic journey.
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. Never seen alone, they travel together upstream through time itself, carrying knowledge earned through endurance. They offer clarity when difficult choices must be made, guiding the final passage home.
Together, they shape the unseen currents of our oceanic world, a world that is not simply travelled, but experienced.
Carta Nautica Collection
Carta Nautica is a Collection of exceptional whiskies, each matured in sherry seasoned oak casks before embarking on a second maturation journey in casks that previously held bourbon – an approach that brings together the unexpected.
Bringing our oceanic world to life, artist Amy Genser created the pack artwork for the Carta Nautica Collection. Using paper to create richly textured and colourful representations of natural forms, her work offers a visually striking exploration of the wonders that lie beneath the surface.
Guided by our Six Pillars, this Collection captures a spirit of exploration and refinement, where tradition meets discovery. Together, the rich, immersive oceanic world embodies the time, patience and mastery at the heart of The Macallan.