Wu-Tang Clan Leader RZA has teamed up with whisky producers Ballantine’s to create his own bottle of Scotch, Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition.
RZA, the leader of legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, has created a bottle of Ballantine’s Scotch whisky, Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition. The whisky is aged for seven years and finished in American oak barrels.
Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition is inspired by poetry that the rapper wrote while spending time at the home of Ballantine’s in Scotland. Upon leaving, he left the poetry in the library of the brand’s founder, George Ballantine.
According to the brand, the partnership ‘epitomizes Scotch whisky meeting American attitude’. The bottle’s label features pattern created from RZA’s handwritten words, complete with the iconic Wu-Tang Clan hands.
“This is a true representation of my entire journey with Ballantine’s,” said RZA. “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.”
“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,” added Paul-André Vacheron, Ballantine’s marketing director at Chivas Brother.
The bottle is part of a year-long partnership between RZA and Ballantine’s that launched a custom Crosley record player and speaker, a collaboration with Japanese streetwear brand Neighbourhood, and a hot sauce with Flying Goose.
Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition is priced at £37.95 ($48 USD) and is available in limited quantities across the globe. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.