SMWS DISCOVERY
A night out in Taipei
Taipei is one of the world’s greatest destinations for whisky lovers, and the Society has an outstanding selection of partner bars where you can experience the city’s passion for whisky from Scotland and beyond. Even better, the city’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the perfect way get around, as Rose Wei from our SMWS Taiwan team explains
First things first – it’s better to hit the heights in Taipei before you start drinking any whisky. And for the best view in town, there’s only one place to go.
We began our whisky night out by heading by MRT to Taipei 101 Station, then took the high-speed elevator to the 101 Observation Deck on the 89th floor of the 509-metre structure. From this incredible vantage point we were able to soak up the sunset and the scenery. Having satisfied those senses, it was time for food and drink.
BELOW: Start your Taipei night out with food at Backyard Jr. Xinyi
小後苑 BACKYARD JR.｜信義店XINYI
Close to Taipei 101, we headed to the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store – but not for shopping. The Society’s partner bar Backyard Jr. Xinyi is tucked away on the third floor, providing a comfortable atmosphere and the perfect place for a dram, but also to explore some of Taiwan’s rich seafood offerings. We ordered two stunning dishes including tiger prawns, squid and oyster, as well as Taiwanese braised pork rice, both flavourful delights that showcased the culinary prowess of the region.
As the delightful meal concluded, we took to the streets for a leisurely stroll. The vibrant energy of the city, now illuminated by a myriad of lights, guided our way as we continued to explore and share stories.
“Continuing our MRT bar tour, we hopped on the MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, where our next destination awaited”
THE MALT 麥村
The Malt, another fantastic Society partner bar. Upon entering, we were immediately captivated by the sight of a wall adorned with a collection of whisky, resembling a whisky library. The ambiance exuded sophistication, and it was clear we were in for a treat.
The Malt has an impressive range of Society whisky, offering a wide selection of flavour profiles. What makes this bar special is not only the quality of its selection but also the affordability, with prices being about one-third of those at a typical bar.
As we delved into the diverse world of whisky, ranging from different brands, origins and ages, the atmosphere at The Malt transformed into a symphony of aromas. The sheer pleasure of tasting different whiskies awakened our senses, with each sip revealing the craftsmanship and complexity behind the spirits. The manager’s warm hospitality and extensive knowledge about whisky enhanced our tasting experience, allowing us to appreciate the nuances of each carefully selected whisky.
In addition to the extensive whisky collection, The Malt also offers a curated selection of other spirits, including rum, brandy, gin, beer and red wine. This thoughtful variety allowed us to explore beyond whisky, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our evening.
WHISKY LAND 威士忌樂園
After that, it was back on the MRT to Yunshan Station. From there, a short walk took us to Whisky Land. As soon as we entered the door, we found two very cute cats (Hook & Fried Instant Noodles) saying hello to us. Our attention was drawn to the extensive selection of whisky lining the shelves, creating an impressive backdrop for our dining adventure. The proprietor’s passion for whisky was evident not only in the decor but also in the exquisite offerings on the menu.
The culinary delights at Whisky Land surpassed our expectations. Opting for a diverse array of flavours, we ordered three enticing dishes.
Fried instant noodles, with a delightful balance of softness, paired exquisitely with candied eggs, creating a satisfying and flavourful combination. The tempura, skilfully prepared to achieve a perfect crispiness on the outside while maintaining a tender interior, offered a burst of fish flavour with each bite. The smoked duck legs, a highlight of the meal, were succulent and infused with a robust smoky essence, leaving an indelible impression on our taste buds.
With hundreds of bottles to choose from at Whisky Land, enthusiasts and novices alike can embark on a journey through the nuanced world of whisky. The sheer variety beckons patrons to explore different regions, flavours and expressions, making each visit a unique experience.
“From Whisky Land, we continued to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station and Bar M.”
BAR M
The owner, Naoki Shimizu, is Japanese, and he specialises in Japanese whisky, gin and cocktails. We ordered Japan’s top muscadine cocktail, where the sweet grapes are paired with gin – an ideal drink to kick off the second half of the night! Then to keep us going, we ordered oden, a kind of Japanese hot pot, and pudding. The taste was every bit as good as you’d find in other famous restaurants.
ABOVE: Bar M specialises in Japanese whisky, gin and cocktails
There was only one thing missing – the ideal dram. On the manager’s recommendation we ordered a Yamazaki 12-year-old as well as a Chichibu ‘On the way’ 2019, which has a smooth body and rich aroma.
We didn’t finish with a cigar, but if that’s your thing, there are also a couple of excellent Society partner bars that specialise in cigar and whisky pairings. KC Cigar & Bar (凱西台北店) is located in Zhongxiao Dunhua and Le Fumoir (雲煙閣) is in Xinyi Anhe. Both have cigars at different price points for guests to choose from, as well as extensive whisky collections.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of what Taipei has to offer the whisky enthusiast. If you ever stop over, be sure to try all these venues and let us know what you think – and don’t forget to bring your SMWS membership card to enjoy discounts at all of the partner bars above.
ABOVE: KC Cigar & Bar is the perfect place to try a cigar and Society whisky pairing in Taipei