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SCOTCH REPORT Scotch Wave D by Ian Buxton espite importing around 14% more Scotch whisky in the six months to June 2011 compared to the previous year, the U.S. has lost ground to developing markets for a share of global Scotch sales, which overall rose 22% in the same period. But there's still some- thing to celebrate, as the U.S. retained its position as scotch's number-one world market, with shipments valued at some $423 million. And, due shortly to hit American shores are some noteworthy new products. Bruichladdich on Islay, one of Scotland's more individually minded distilleries, was re-opened just ten years ago and has remained resolutely inde- pendent ever since, often at odds with the rest of the industry. But no one can deny the imaginative use they have made of the stocks they inherited and the "outsider" position they adopted. Now they are able to release the fi rst fully-mature whisky made by the "new" team—and what a cracking dram it proves to be. The Laddie Ten, in its distinctive aqua livery, is imported by Winebow and will retail at around $55. Unlike their usual limited editions, this will be a perma- nent fi xture in the line and will appeal to lovers of the salty sea breezes of this Hebridean island. Check out their new website (bruichladdich.com) for more on their pioneering and iconoclastic attitude. Also newly released is Drambuie 15, a luxury version of the time-honored whisky liqueur, a staple on any after-dinner trolley. This company too has gone through some diffi cult times, but remains staunchly independent and is intent on re-inventing itself. After several years of decline in the U.S., which remains the brand's largest market, ship- ments have recently increased following a new distribution agreement with Bacardi USA. Standard Drambuie is now pushed as a cocktail 26 / the tasting panel / november 201 1 ingredient and the premium 15-year- old version may even convert a few single malt fans. Drier, less cloying and containing only choice Speyside single malts, Drambuie 15 ($59.99 for 750 ml., $79.99 per liter) is almost a Rusty Nail on its own. Finally, the malt team at Diageo has announced their 2011 Special Releases, which should arrive in market before the holiday season. Eagerly awaited by single malt fans, quantities are—as ever— strictly limited. U.S. and Canada markets will see a small alloca- tion of Port Ellen 32 Year Old, Rosebank 21 Year Old, Lagavulin 12 Year Old, and Knockando 25 Year Old. Prices remain to be announced, but there are unlikely to be bargains: The distilling giant woke up to the value of these old stocks some years ago. These Shoes Are Made for Walking . . . News reaches me of a most unusual collaboration that really has "sole." Inspired by the stag's head brand icon of The Dalmore single malt, luxury shoemaker Lodger, based in London's Mayfair, has released the Lodger Dalmore brogue, a tradi- tional English brogue made from fi nest Scottish red deerskin. The Dalmore stag's head logo is impressed onto the instep of a strictly limited edition, available exclusively from Lodger of London (lodgerfootwear.com) only until the end of November. PHOTO: MARTIN PHELPS, LODGER FOOTWEAR