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

Scotch whisky brand Ballantine’s has partnered with Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA to release a vinyl record player.

RZA, real name Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, and Ballantine’s have teamed up to celebrate hip hop’s 50th anniversary this year, and to celebrate ‘staying true to who you are’.

The vinyl record player will be released on a limited edition basis, and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the American hip hop group’s debut album launch, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

The Ballantine’s x RZA Crosley record player can be purchased through ballantines.com/RZA for RRP €275 (US$303).

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.”

A limited edition Montero Bluetooth speaker is also available as part the collaboration for €180 (US$198).

Mathieu Deslandes, Ballantine’s global marketing director at Chivas Brothers, added: “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.”

Ballantine’s is owned by Pernod Ricard. The drinks giant has previously teamed up with K-pop singer Lisa to launch a limited edition bottle and enter the metaverse.

Keith Starr, president of Crosley Brands, commented: “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.”

The brand recently added to its Artists Series with new iterations of its 17- and 21-year-old blends.

In 2021, Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon joined forces with the Legacy Wine and Spirits Group.