Hip Hop luminary RZA and Scotch Whisky giants Ballantine's may have started their journey amidst the blustery winds of Scotland, but they’ve ended it all somewhere just a wee bit warmer—sunny Los Angeles, California. It's a collaboration we never knew we needed, but have been loving through and through. To culminate their multi-phase campaign journey, the duo unveil the Ballantine's 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition. This distinctive bottle is the pinnacle of everything the partnership stands for, and places a perfect capstone on a collab stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the North Sea.
Crafted as the inaugural bespoke iteration of Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel, the bottle's bold aesthetic draws inspiration from RZA's poetic reflections during his visit to the Ballantine’s distillery in the heart of Scotland. Immersed in the lush green landscapes and enveloped by the rolling clouds of the Scottish Highlands, RZA found inspiration in the whisky-making process, capturing the essence in a poem that now graces the label.
Since day one, Ballantine's and RZA's collaboration has been rooted in their shared purpose to Stay True. And as the sun sets on their project, the spirit of this calling has been constant to the very end.
The label itself features an intricate pattern meticulously crafted from the handwritten verses of RZA's poem, adorned with the unmistakable Wu-Tang Clan hands. This limited edition bottle encapsulates the fusion of Scotch whisky with a side serving of American attitude, highlighting a marriage of Scottish depth and sweet American oak in which the aging process takes place.
Reflecting on the creation of the bottle design, RZA noted, “This is a true representation of my entire journey with Ballantine’s. On my first visit to the distillery, 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.”
Over the past few months, the collection has explored various facets of RZA's life through drops in music, food, and fashion. The collaboration 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 a Ballantine’s inspired hot sauce with Flying Goose. This partnership has been a testament to the shared DNA of RZA and Ballantine’s, celebrating authenticity and proving that staying true to oneself is the only path worth taking.
The Ballantine's 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition will be available for purchase in select countries and exclusively on thewhiskyexchange.com. With limited stock, this exceptional bottle is a must-have for enthusiasts of both whisky and hip-hop alike.
Discover more about the partnership and shop the limited edition bottle here.
