Ballantine’s, the Scotch whisky, has revealed new additions – and editions – to its True Music Icons collection, this year paying tribute to Elton John and John Lennon.
The two musical artists inspired the collectable design for Ballantine’s Finest bottles, which will be available across the globe from this month.
‘Rich Heritage’
“Ballantine’s has a rich heritage in music, and what better way to celebrate a decade of our True Music platform than by paying tribute to two of the twentieth century’s most revered music icons on our iconic Finest bottle?” said Paul-André Vacheron, global marketing director for Ballantine’s at Chivas Brothers.
“Both Elton John and John Lennon are artists who are all about doing things their own way.”
Friendship
The True Music Icons’ John Lennon edition bottle design incorporates Lennon’s official logo, famous self-portrait sketch and iconography, reflecting his multifaceted artistic legacy, whereas the Elton John edition is inspired by his legendary live performance at Dodger Stadium in 1975, with the design featuring a holographic version of his ‘E’ star logo, mirroring the artwork on his Diamonds greatest-hits collection.
The editions also celebrate the friendship between Elton John and John Lennon, which culminated in Lennon’s single release of ‘Whatever Gets You Thru The Night’, featuring Elton John, and their legendary performance together at Madison Square Garden exactly 50 years ago, in 1974.
‘Rock Out’
“They have not only contributed to music culture, but defined it, by staying true to who they are – a mindset that reflects the spirit of what Ballantine’s stands for, inspired by our pioneering founder, George Ballantine,” said Vacheron.
“We look forward to seeing these collectable designs rock out on shelves around the world.”
True Music Icons
This second release in the True Music Icons series follows the success of the inaugural collection last year, which paid homage to rock-and-roll legends AC/DC and Queen.
Ballantine’s True Music Icons Elton John and John Lennon limited-edition bottles will be available for purchase in markets across the globe and on the Whisky Exchange from Monday 23 September 2024.
