Ballantine’s and Malbon tee up Korea TREX 21 Year Old Scotch whisky and golf apparel collection

Scotch whisky house Ballantine’s, part of Pernod Ricard, has expanded its long-standing association with golf through a new collaboration with lifestyle golf brand Malbon. The partnership introduces two limited-edition whiskies and a capsule apparel collection designed to celebrate the post-round ‘19th Hole’.

The headline release is the limited-edition travel retail-exclusive (TREX) Ballantine’s x Malbon 21 Year Old, launched exclusively in Korea travel retail this month. The expression features a higher proportion of Glentauchers Single Malt, selected for its delicacy and precision.

The second release is the 17 Year Old blend for the South Korean domestic market. This expression contains a high proportion of Glenburgie 17 Year Old Single Malt.

The packaging features Malbon’s signature Buckets mascot alongside custom graphics inspired by golf ball patterns.

To support the travel retail launch, the Ballantine’s x Malbon 21 Year Old TREX is being featured through a series of high-profile promotions at Incheon, Gimpo and Gimhae international airports. The expression will also be featured with a stand-out activation at Jeju International Airport and will be listed with Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO) Duty Free at the Jungmun Tourist Complex in Jeju Island.

The collaboration includes a limited-edition capsule collection of apparel and accessories. The range features Scottish-inspired prints, contemporary reinterpretations of traditional golf motifs and a reworked version of the Buckets logo.

The partnership brings together two brands interpreting their heritage for a new generation. Ballantine’s said the collaboration reflects its ‘Time Well Spent’ platform, which focuses on the shared moments, conversations and connections that take place after a round of golf.

Malbon aims to play a key role in golf’s cultural evolution, particularly in South Korea, where younger consumers are reshaping how the sport is experienced.

Ballantine’s noted that golf has been part of the brand’s identity for more than six decades. Its involvement dates back to 1960 with the first Ballantine’s Tournament at the historic Wentworth Club and has since included sponsorship of major professional tournaments, such as the European Tour, the Ballantine’s Championship in Asia and the Scottish Open, alongside a series of golf-themed whisky releases.

The Ballantine’s x Malbon collaboration was unveiled at a launch event in Seoul on 28 May. The event brought together figures from the worlds of fashion, sport and entertainment in a celebration of whisky, golf and contemporary culture.

Malon Co-Founder Stephen Malbon commented: “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.”

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail Director Prestige Brands and Champagne Andrew Bardsley said:“Rooted in the camaraderie that unfolds on the course, 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.”

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail General Manager Asia Pacific Antonio Duva added: “As the number one blended Scotch in Korea travel retail and with a strong and prestigious portfolio ranging from iconic blends to refined single malts, this TREX 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.” ✈