Ballantine’s x Malbon Korea Exclusive 21 Year Old Whisky

Leading Golf Fashion: Ballantine’s and Malbon Partner to Reshape the Luxury Whisky Experience

Ballantine’s has announced a crossover collaboration with lifestyle golf brand Malbon to launch the Ballantine’s x Malbon 21 Year Old limited edition blended Scotch whisky, exclusively for Korea Travel Retail. This partnership aims to combine the energy of modern golf with the long-standing heritage of Ballantine’s. Alongside the duty-free exclusive, the brand is also releasing a 17 Year Old whisky for the Korean domestic market and a capsule apparel collection. Announced in June 2026, this project demonstrates the deep integration of whisky and trendy fashion.

Flavor Profile: A High-Proportion Single Malt Blend

This 21 Year Old whisky features a high proportion of Glentauchers single malt and is expected to hit major Korean duty-free shops in mid-June, including arrival and departure stores at Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae airports, as well as pop-ups and duty-free shops in Jeju. The 17 Year Old expression incorporates a significant amount of Glenburgie 17 Year Old single malt. Pernod Ricard stated that this collaboration is not only a tribute to friendship on the course but also aims to attract young Korean travelers to the world of whisky.

Brand Culture & Design: From the Course to the Cutting Edge of Fashion

The packaging design merges Malbon’s iconic 'Buckets' motif with golf ball textures. Stephen Malbon noted that the inspiration came from the brand's classic visuals and traditional fabrics. Ballantine’s connection with golf dates back to 1960, having hosted tournaments at the Wentworth Club in the UK and sponsored major events like the European Tour. As a leader in Korea Travel Retail, this strategic collaboration further solidifies its cultural position in the region.

The 21 Year Old whisky offers aromas of orange slices, red apples, cranberries, and crème brûlée. The palate reveals summer berries, cinnamon, cloves, and orange marmalade, with a rich finish full of complex spices. This collaboration was previously celebrated with a grand launch in Seoul, showcasing the brand's commitment to elevating its luxury image in the travel retail market.

📅 Release Date: 2026-06-04

🔗 Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/ballantines-launches-malbon-21-year-old-korea-travel-retail-exclusive/