Hip-hop legend and Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA and Ballantine’s, the world’s second-most popular Scotch whisky, have joined forces to release a limited-edition bottle. Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition is the culmination of their multi-drop collaboration that celebrates going against the norm and staying true to who you are.
The first-ever bespoke iteration of Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel, the bold look of the new bottle is inspired by RZA’s poetry written during his time spent at the home of Ballantine’s in Scotland. The beauty of the surrounding green farmland, blankets of rolling clouds across Scottish Highland plains, and the whisky-making process inspired RZA to capture the experience in a poem that he then left in founder, George Ballantine’s, library.
Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition epitomises Scotch whisky meeting American attitude. The label features an intricate pattern constructed from the handwritten words of RZA’s poem, complete with the iconic Wu-Tang Clan hands.
The whisky itself is aged for seven years and finished in American oak barrels, expertly combining the depth of Scotch whisky with the sweet touch of American oak to give a true fusion of both Scottish and US cultures. Expect creamy notes complete with the classic vanilla and apple characteristics of the Ballantine’s signature style, as well as extra layers of sweet caramel coming from the American barrel.
“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.”
RZA
Paul-André Vacheron, Ballantine’s Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers adds: “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.”
Over the last year, the partnership between RZA and Ballantine’s has seen the pair launch 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. The partnership has been a celebration of RZA’s shared DNA with Ballantine’s, which champions authenticity, showing that when you stay true to who you are there’s no wrong way to live.
RZA’s Poem
Scotland, greenery on the countryside
Enjoying the scenery on a country ride
Stone cottages adorn the road on opposite sides
It seems beauty has no place to hide
Surrounded by farmland of sheep and grain
Blankets of clouds, skies preparing to release the rain
Showering life-giving water onto the Highland plains
That will be used to infuse the malt and then it’s drained
With the best parts separated from the rest
And we all take a sip, to put the process to its test
The Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition will be available to purchase worldwide and from thewhiskyexhange.com for RRP £37.95 but is only available while stocks last so is a must-have for whisky lovers and hip-hop fans alike.
For more information on Ballantine’s partnership with RZA visit www.Ballantines.com/RZA or follow @Ballantines on Instagram.
