Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA and Ballantine's have teamed up to release a limited-edition whisky, the latest product launch in their collaborative Stay True campaign.
Ballantine's 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition is the first bespoke iteration of the blended Scotch whisky, with the new-look bottle inspired by hip hop legend RZA's poetry written during a trip to the Ballantine's brand home in Scotland. He captured the experience in a poem that was left in brand founder George Ballantine's library.
A collision of Scotch whisky making and American attitude, the whisky is aged for seven years and finished in American oak casks, while the limited edition's label features an intricate pattern created from the words of RZA's poem alongside the iconic Wu-Tang Clan hands.
RZA said: “This is a true representation of my entire journey with Ballantine’s. On my first visit to Speyside I found the land and the people so inspiring, it compelled me to capture the experience in a poem. To see this come to life through the bottle design is a true coming together of our cultures.”
Paul-André Vacheron, Ballantine’s marketing director at Chivas Brothers, added: “Our shared belief in doing things your own way is what this collaboration is all about and the unique bottle design adorned with RZA’s words from his time in Scotland, is the perfect poetic note to end our journey together on.”
The Ballantine's 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition will be available to purchase worldwide from the Whisky Exchange (RRP £29.99).
Over the last year, the partnership between RZA and Ballantine’s has seen the launch of a bespoke Crosley record player and speaker, a fashion collaboration with Japanese streetwear brand NEIGHBORHOOD, and, most recently, a Ballantine’s-inspired hot sauce with Flying Goose.
