If you’re a discerning whisky lover, you’ve likely heard of Ballantine’s – the world’s second-best-selling Scotch whisky. But there’s much more to this iconic brand than meets the eye. In this blog post, I’ll show you 7 things you should know about Ballantine’s.
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7 Things You Should Know About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is one of the most iconic Scotch whisky brands in the world, known for its rich history, distinctive bottle design, and innovative collaborations. But did you know that the brand’s origins can be traced back to a humble grocery store in 19th-century Edinburgh? Here are 7 interesting facts about Ballentine’s.
No. 1. It all started with a grocery store
In the 1800s, it was common for grocery stores to purchase single malts from distilleries to sell in barrels. However, single-malt Scotch was often inconsistent, so store owners like George Ballantine began blending the spirits to achieve a more appealing flavour profile. By 1836, Ballantine had honed his blending practices and was hand-selecting malts for his blends. The success of his whisky operation led him to open a larger shop in South Bridge to keep up with demand.
No. 2. The brand was a favourite of Queen Victoria and Lord Lyon
Queen Victoria was a fan of Scotch whisky and awarded George Ballantine & Co. a Royal Warrant in 1895 as a trusted supplier to the royal family. The brand was also beloved by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who granted Ballantine’s its own Heraldic Arms in 1938.
No. 3. The bottle design harkens back to American Prohibition
Ballantine’s distinctive short, square bottle design was first introduced during American Prohibition to prevent the bottles from rolling and clanking during transport. This unique shape still helps the brand stand out on shelves today.
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No. 4. Ballantine’s warehouses were once guarded by geese
In the 1950s, the Ballantine’s Dumbarton warehouses were overseen by a flock of geese, known as the “Scotch Watch,” to help protect against potential thieves. The geese were chosen for their excellent hearing, eyesight, and territorial nature.
No. 5. Ballantine’s supports emerging musicians
Since 2014, Ballantine’s has launched the True Music Series, an initiative that partners with organizations like Beatport, Sub Club, and Defected Records to support and uplift grassroots music scenes around the world. In 2021, the brand also launched the True Music Fund to donate £100,000 annually to 10 organizations diversifying the music industry.
No. 6. The brand has created limited-edition bottlings inspired by music
As part of the True Music Series, Ballantine’s has released limited-edition bottles featuring the iconic crest designs of legendary bands like Queen and AC/DC.
No. 7. Ballantine’s has collaborated with RZA
In 2023, Ballantine’s partnered with Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary through the Stay True campaign. The collaborations have spanned music, fashion, and even a Ballantine’s-inspired sriracha.
Ballantine’s is a Scotch whisky brand that has truly stood the test of time, blending its rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to innovation and community engagement. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Scotch, we invite you to explore the Ballantine’s range available on Naija Liquor. Click here to shop now and discover the spirit of this iconic drink for yourself.
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