Ballantine’s has partnered with lifestyle golf brand Malbon to redefine the modern “19th Hole” moment, unveiling a cross-category collaboration that blends whisky, fashion and contemporary golf culture. Anchored in the shared ethos of “Time Well Spent”, the partnership introduces two limited edition Scotch whiskies alongside a capsule collection of apparel and accessories designed for a new generation of golfers.
At the heart of the release are two expressions tailored to the South Korean market, where golf’s cultural evolution is particularly pronounced. A 21 Year Old travel retail exclusive, launching from mid-June 2026, has been crafted with a higher proportion of Glentauchers single malt, delivering a refined, delicate finish likened to the precision of a putter. It will be available exclusively through Korea Duty Free channels, including major airports such as Incheon, Gimpo and Gimhae.
Complementing this is a 17 Year Old blend for the Korean domestic market, featuring a high proportion of Glenburgie 17 Year Old single malt. Designed to bring balance, depth and length, the expression draws a parallel with the power of a driver, reinforcing the golf-inspired narrative behind the collaboration.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to evolving tradition. While Ballantine’s continues to reinterpret its whisky heritage for modern audiences, Malbon has been instrumental in reshaping golf’s cultural codes, particularly in South Korea, where the sport has become a platform for self-expression and style.
Visually, the collaboration merges both brand identities through distinctive packaging and design. Malbon’s signature “Buckets” logo takes centre stage, accompanied by custom graphics inspired by golf ball patterns, translating the rhythm of the course into a contemporary aesthetic.
Beyond whisky, the Ballantine’s x Malbon capsule collection extends the collaboration into apparel and accessories. Featuring Scotland-inspired prints reworked with a modern edge, the range is designed to move seamlessly between course and clubhouse, combining performance with personality. The collection will be available exclusively in the Korean market.
Stephen Malbon, co-founder of Malbon, said the design aimed to strike a balance between heritage and modernity. “The colour palette was inspired by Ballantine’s packaging and overall brand identity, while the patterns draw on historical motifs reimagined through a contemporary lens,” he explained.
Ballantine’s longstanding association with golf dates back more than 60 years, beginning with the Ballantine’s Tournament at Wentworth in 1960 and extending to sponsorship of major events including the European Tour and Scottish Open. This latest collaboration builds on that legacy while targeting a younger, culturally engaged audience.
Andrew Bardsley, Director of Prestige Brands and Champagne at Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, described the partnership as “a tribute to the moments that matter most”, adding that the 21 Year Old expression is expected to introduce Ballantine’s to a new generation of South Korean travellers.
Antonio Duva, General Manager for Asia Pacific at Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration within travel retail. “This partnership positions Ballantine’s at the heart of culture and lifestyle in South Korea, reinforcing its premium credentials while engaging a younger consumer,” he said.
The collaboration was officially unveiled at a launch event in Seoul on 28 May, bringing together figures from fashion, sport and entertainment in a celebration of whisky, golf and contemporary culture.
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The Ballantine’s x Malbon 21 Year Old Travel Retail Exclusive will roll out across Korean duty free locations from mid-June, supported by pop-ups and activations, including a dedicated presence at Jeju.
For further information, visit ballantines.com.
