The Macallan has partnered with LOTTE Duty Free to unveil the world-first launch of The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old at Singapore Changi Airport, marking the debut of the new global travel retail exclusive. This release will be available exclusively at Changi Airport from 28 September to 18 October 2026, ahead of a wider rollout at select airports globally from 19 October 2026.
The 20 Years Old expression forms part of The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection. Derived from the Spanish term for ‘nautical chart’, Carta Nautica traces the voyage of The Macallan’s oak staves and casks across the Atlantic Ocean, from North America to Jerez de la Frontera and Scotland, before arriving at The Macallan Estate. Crafted by The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team, the collection is defined by an anomalous maturation journey. The whiskies are initially matured in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez de la Frontera, before being transferred into casks that previously held bourbon from North America.
An expressive legacy of both travel and time, The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old captures the essence of a journey across continents and cultures through its harmonious cask interplay, creating a character that speaks to both craftsmanship and curiosity. Bottled at 42% ABV, vibrant orange peel and creamy vanilla are joined on the nose by tropical notes of charred pineapple and juicy mango, alongside softer hints of apricot conserve.
The palate unfolds with layers of sweetness, from peach tea and caramelised figs to whispers of leather and chocolate orange. A lingering finish of dried tropical fruits, caramel and toasted oak spice brings the journey to a smooth and satisfying close. The whisky’s packaging is also complemented by artwork from American artist Amy Genser, whose distinctive paper-based work draws inspiration from the movement of water and the organic forms found in nature, extending the collection’s oceanic story beyond the label.
The Macallan Carta Nautica Distilled in 1987 will also be showcased alongside the 20 Years Old expression. Bottled at 45.2% ABV, this single malt Scotch whisky was distilled in 1987 and matured over 38 years. The first in a new series of vintage releases is presented in a sculpted wooden case with flowing contours and Amy Genser’s ocean inspired artwork, echoing the movement and rhythms of the Atlantic that underpin the Carta Nautica collection.
To mark the world-first launch of The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old, The Macallan, LOTTE Duty Free Singapore, and Changi Airport Group have unveiled two dedicated pop-ups at Singapore Changi Airport. The experience invites travellers to explore the Carta Nautica Collection at Terminal 3 for two months, before continuing its voyage to Terminal 2 for an additional two months.
Inspired by the intrinsic waves, depth and rhythm of the ocean, layered visual motifs drawn from Amy Genser’s distinctive artwork flow across the pop-up space, creating an oceanic backdrop. This is balanced by The Macallan’s signature red accents and warm whisky-toned finishes across the display furniture and sculptural coral forms. Together with the illuminated arches and underwater-inspired floor effect, these elements transport guests into the depths of The Macallan universe, shaped by sea, motion and exploration.
A dedicated wall draws travellers into Nautyria, the oceanic world at the heart of the Carta Nautica story. Presented within bubble-inspired circular displays, the five Guardians represent different moments along The Macallan’s cask journey, from purpose and transformation to challenge, clarity and perseverance, while continuing the underwater visual language seen throughout the pop-up. Shoppers can also visit a dedicated gifting station, where they can personalise their bottle with a Changi-exclusive blue Merlion cap, designed to commemorate the world-first launch and serve as a distinctive ode to the city.
At the centre of the pop-up, an interactive engagement table brings the Carta Nautica product story to life by tracing the journey of The Macallan’s oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera and Scotland. Travellers can move miniature wooden casks along the route and open cask-shaped boxes at each destination to discover how the oak is shaped, seasoned and ultimately used in the whisky’s maturation.
Kasper Andersen, Edrington Regional Managing Director Western Europe & Global Travel Retail, commented: “Global travel retail is built on discovery and journeys, making it a natural home for The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old. Bringing together craftsmanship, imagination and exploration, The Carta Nautica Collection expresses the extraordinary journey behind the whisky and the mastery that shapes it. Together with LOTTE Duty Free and Changi Airport Group, we’ve created a captivating activation that brings to life the epic transatlantic journey of The Macallan oak casks and immerses travellers into the depths of The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection.”
Bruce Ham Seok Min, LOTTE Duty Free Singapore Managing Director, added: “We are delighted to partner with The Macallan to host the world-first launch of Carta Nautica 20 Years Old at Singapore Changi Airport. We’re pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to be among the first to discover this very special new release. The striking pop-up will enable travellers to explore the journey of the oak and the craftsmanship behind the whisky, bringing the launch to life in a more engaging and memorable way.”
Hung Jean, Changi Airport Group Managing Director, Airside Concessions, commented: “Together with The Macallan and LOTTE Duty Free, we have created an experience that goes beyond the product itself, bringing the wider Carta Nautica Collection and its immersive oceanic story to life only at Changi Airport. This world-first launch activation reflects our continued focus on introducing distinctive global launches to Changi while giving travellers new reasons to discover and engage with our retail offer.”
