Renowned Scotch whisky brand Ballantine's has joined forces with RZA, the iconic frontman of Wu-Tang Clan, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the group's debut album. This exciting collaboration will bring a range of product releases in the upcoming months, starting with the highly sought-after Ballantine's x RZA Crosley record player. Designed by RZA himself, this limited edition C6 record player comes with an accompanying Montero Bluetooth speaker.
The record player's initial drop in late June was met with overwhelming demand, resulting in a sold-out release. Due to the success, plans for another drop are already in the works. Ballantine's expressed their delight in working with RZA, emphasizing the alignment of his values with the brand's ethos. During his visit to the distillery, RZA had the opportunity to meet the whisky-making team and witness the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating Ballantine's whiskies.
The collaboration, which aims to celebrate a shared love of music, represents a fusion of RZA's creativity with the expertise of Ballantine's and Crosley. It aims to create moments of connection through music, whisky, and the celebration of individual tastes across different genres.
In the months ahead, Ballantine's and RZA will unveil a series of product drops, ranging from music to food and fashion. This includes new recipes and a limited-edition capsule collection, reflecting RZA's ability to challenge expectations—a quality reminiscent of Ballantine's founder, George Ballantine, who revolutionized the whisky industry with his innovative mindset back in 1827.
RZA himself shared his thoughts on the partnership, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and breaking boundaries in life, just as in making music or crafting whisky. He discovered parallels between whisky-making and song creation, recognizing the harmonious blending of elements to achieve greatness.
Mathieu Deslandes, Ballantine's Global Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers, expressed the brand's belief in celebrating uniqueness and originality, highlighting the strong resonance between RZA's individuality and Ballantine's pioneering spirit. Combining their passions for music and whisky, the collaboration kicks off with the exclusive release of the limited-edition Ballantine's x RZA Crosley record player, with much more to come.
Keith Starr, President of Crosley Brands, also expressed his excitement, emphasizing Crosley's century-long commitment to bringing music to people worldwide and the honor of being involved in this meeting of icons.
About Ballantine's
Ballantine's is a renowned Scotch whisky brand with a rich history dating back to 1827. It was founded by George Ballantine, who established a small grocery store in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in wines and spirits. Over the years, Ballantine's grew and evolved, eventually becoming a respected name in the whisky industry.
Known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Ballantine's creates a range of blended Scotch whiskies that showcase a harmonious blend of malt and grain whiskies. The brand's master blenders carefully select and combine whiskies from different distilleries, focusing on achieving a consistent and balanced flavor profile.
Ballantine's whiskies are celebrated for their smoothness, complexity, and rich character. The brand offers a variety of expressions, ranging from the classic Ballantine's Finest to the more aged and premium releases like Ballantine's 12 Year Old and Ballantine's 17 Year Old.
Beyond its exceptional whiskies, Ballantine's is also known for its commitment to innovation and collaboration. The brand has partnered with various artists, musicians, and cultural icons to create unique limited editions and explore new creative avenues.
As part of the Pernod Ricard family, Ballantine's continues to uphold its tradition of excellence while embracing innovation and contemporary trends. It remains a beloved choice for whisky enthusiasts worldwide who appreciate the brand's dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and the art of blending fine whiskies.
