Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA partners with Ballantine’s whisky

Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA has partnered with Scotch whisky firm Ballantine’s to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the release of the group’s debut album.

The news will sees a range of product drops across the coming months, with a limited edition Ballantine’s x RZA Crosley record player available to purchase in the first instance. The C6 record player, which was designed by RZA, also comes with an accompanying Montero Bluetooth speaker.

A spokesperson for Ballantine’s told db that the collaboration was going so well that the first drop of the record player, which happened at the end of June, had already sold out and it was planning another drop soon.

He said: “We have a long-term relationship with RZA and he is closely aligned with the company’s brand values. Our partnership is more than just putting a name with a brand and during his trip to the distillery, he met the whisky making team, and saw how it was made and how it was crafted.”

Designed to show a “shared love of music”, the collaboration brings together RZA with Ballantine’s and Crosley to “create shared moments over music, whisky and a celebration of individual taste, whatever genre you’re into”, it said.

In the coming months, Ballantine’s and RZA will produce a series product drops from music to food and fashion, including new recipes and a limited-edition capsule collection.

Ballantine’s said that RZA’s “subverting expectations” reflected the lifestyle of its founder George Ballantine, who was “breaking codes of whisky as far back as 1827 with his DIY attitude”.

Speaking about the partnership, RZA, said: “My 90s slogan was keep it real, and that’s what staying true is all about; live your life with no boundaries, break expectations and embrace what makes you, you.

“When I was up in the Highlands with Ballantine’s, I came to realise that making whisky is like making a song, you need the right amount of sweetness and punch to make a good blend. When the elements come together, it’s a harmony.

“Not only does this work for good whisky, but it also works for life too; if you celebrate your own journey and keep it real, you can do amazing things.”

Mathieu Deslandes, Ballantine’s Global Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers, said: “At Ballantine’s we believe that everyone is unique, original and worth celebrating. RZA is well known for doing things his own way, a mindset that reflects the spirit of Ballantine’s, inspired by our pioneering founder George Ballantine.

“Combining our passions of music and whisky, we’re excited to announce the first exclusive drop, the limited-edition Ballantine’s x RZA Crosley record player, and can’t wait to show you what else we have in store.”

Keith Starr, President of Crosley Brands, says “Crosley has proudly brought music to people around the world for over 100 years. Helping Ballantine’s and RZA in this unique collaboration is the perfect example of our motto “amplify your style.” We’re happy to play a part in this meeting of icons”.