Ballantine’s has unveiled a limited edition collaboration with lifestyle golf brand Malbon, headlined by a 21 Year Old blended Scotch whisky exclusive to Korea Travel Retail. The partnership, announced on June 3, 2026, also includes a 17 Year Old expression for the Korean domestic market and a capsule clothing collection.
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READ THE STORYThe 21 Year Old expression features a higher proportion of Glentauchers single malt and will launch from mid-June exclusively in Korea Duty Free locations. Listings will include all departures and arrivals stores at Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae airports, a pop-up store at Jeju Domestic Airport, and the Jeju downtown JTO duty free store.
The 17 Year Old blend incorporates a high proportion of Glenburgie 17 Year Old single malt.
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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 travelers to the pleasures of Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky.”
Ballantine’s is the number one blended Scotch whisky brand in Korea Travel Retail and the number two Scotch whisky globally. The brand’s association with golf dates to 1960, when it hosted its first tournament at Wentworth Club in the UK, and has since included sponsorship of the European Tour, the Ballantine’s Championship in Asia, and the Scottish Open.
Antonio Duva, general manager for Asia Pacific at Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, added: “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.”
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The pack design features Malbon’s signature “Buckets” logo alongside custom graphics inspired by golf ball patterns. Stephen Malbon, co-founder of Malbon, commented on the design: “The design reflects the balance between heritage and modernity. We created Buckets as a character wearing a classic, heavily color-blocked hat inspired by traditional fabrics. The color palette was inspired by Ballantine’s packaging and overall brand color story, and it translated beautifully into our first his-and-hers collection created exclusively for Ballantine’s and available only in the Korean market.”
The collaboration was unveiled at a launch event in Seoul on May 28, attended by figures from fashion, sport, and entertainment.
Official tasting notes from the brand for the 21 Year Old describe freshly cut orange slices, juicy red apples, sweet cranberries, and raspberry jam on buttered toast on the nose, with crème brûlée, caramel, hazelnut, and oak spice. The palate offers summer berries, stewed cherries, blackcurrants, cinnamon, clove, and orange marmalade. The finish is rich, fruity, spiced, and complex.
