Ballantine’s tees up Malbon collab
Pernod Ricard-owned blended whisky Ballantine’s has teamed up with lifestyle golf brand Malbon to release two limited editions for the South Korean market.
Released as part of the brand’s ‘Time Well Spent at the 19th Hole’ campaign, the collaboration with Malbon features 17- and 21-year-old whiskies, alongside a limited Ballantine’s x Malbon capsule clothing collection.
According to the brands, South Korea has become a key market in the evolution of golf culture, with a new generation redefining how the game is played, experienced, and expressed.
Andrew Bardsley, director of prestige brands and Champagne at Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, said: “Rooted in the camaraderie that unfolds on the green, Ballantine’s x Malbon is a tribute to the moments that matter most, of ‘Time Well Spent’.
“Blending the energy of the modern game with Ballantine’s timeless spirit of togetherness and authenticity, this collaboration fosters connection, and we are excited for the potential of the 21 Year Old to introduce a new audience of younger, South Korean travellers to the pleasures of Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky.”
The Ballantine’s x Malbon collaboration comprises ‘a rich and fruity’ 21 Year Old, produced with a higher than normal proportion of the Glentauchers single malt.
The 21-year-old will be available exclusively in Korea’s travel retail sector starting in mid-June.
It will be prominently featured in all departure and arrival stores at Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae Airports.
Additionally, there will be a standout pop-up store at Jeju Domestic Airport and listings at the JTO duty free store in downtown Jeju.
As part of the collaboration, a 17-year-old blend with a high proportion of Glenburgie 17-year-old single malt will be released exclusively for the South Korean domestic market.
The focal point of both releases is Malbon’s signature Buckets logo and contemporary visuals.
Antonio Duva, general manager of Asia Pacific at Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, added: “As the No.1 blended Scotch in Korea Travel Retail and with a strong and prestigious portfolio ranging from iconic blends to refined single malts, this TRX strengthens our point of difference versus the domestic market.
“The strategic collaboration with Malbon puts Ballantine’s at the heart of culture and lifestyle in South Korea, solidifying our passion for golf, rejuvenating the brand among a younger travelling consumer and elevating its premium credentials through the power of travel retail.
“We look forward to activating the 21 Year Old expression at airport stores over the next couple of months.”
Clothing collection
In addition to the two whiskies, Ballantine’s x Malbon presents a limited edition collection of apparel and accessories featuring custom prints inspired by Scotland, reimagined in a contemporary style.
Stephen Malbon, co-founder of Malbon, commented on the design inspiration: “The design reflects the balance between heritage and modernity. We created Buckets as a character wearing a classic, heavily colour-blocked hat inspired by traditional fabrics.
“We also developed a pattern influenced by historical motifs, but modernised it by incorporating Buckets’ elements into the design.
“The colour palette was inspired by Ballantine’s packaging and overall brand colour story, and it translated beautifully into our first his-and-hers collection created exclusively for Ballantine’s and available only in the Korean market.”
Ballantine’s has had a strong connection with golf since 1960, when it attended the inaugural Ballantine’s Tournament at the Wentworth Club in the UK.
Since then, the brand has sponsored several major professional tournaments, including the European Tour, the Ballantine’s Championship in Asia, and the Scottish Open.
Earlier this month, The Spirits Business sat down with Chivas Brothers’ master blender, Kevin Balmforth, to gain insight into the scope of his role.
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