‘Wu-Tang Dram’: Ballantine’s and RZA Unveil Scotch Whisky Release Inspired by a Poem Penned by the Rapper

Ballantine’s released a scotch whisky finished in American oak alongside the Wu-Tang Clan frontman, RZA. (Photos: Ballantine’s)

On Tuesday, Ballantine’s, the Pernod Ricard-owned scotch whisky brand, announced it was partnering with the rapper RZA for a new whisky release — or, as Ballantine’s calls it, a  “Wu-Tang Dram.” The limited-release scotch hosts a suggested retail price of £29.99 ($38).

The whisky was aged for seven years and finished in American oak barrels, according to Ballantine’s. The packaging was inspired by poetry the Wu-Tang Clan frontman wrote while spending time at Ballantine’s in Scotland.

According to the brand, RZA wrote a poem about his experience at Ballantine’s and left it in the founder of the scotch whisky brand — George Ballantine’s — library.

Ballantine’s claims the American oak adds an extra “layer of sweet caramel” that plays nicely with Ballantine’s scotch, which hosts aromas of vanilla and apple.

“This is a true representation of my entire journey with Ballantine’s,” RZA said. “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.”

The bottle’s distinctive label is inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan.

The brand initially partnered with RZA in July to unveil a limited collection including a Crosley record player and speaker, a streetwear collection and a hot sauce.

“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,” Paul-André Vacheron, Ballantine’s marketing director, said.

RZA’s Poem, Via Ballantine’s

“Scotland, greenery on the countryside

Enjoying the scenery on a country ride

Stone Cottages adorn the road on opposite sides

It seems like beauty has no place to hide

Surrounded by farmland of sheep and grain

Blankets of clouds, skies preparing to release the rain

Showering life-giving water onto the Highland plains

That will be used to infuse the malt and then it’s drained

With the best parts separated from the rest

And all we take is a sip, to put the process to its test.”

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!