Three walls of whiskey shelves!The bar snacks at Taipei’s hidden gem even include stir-fried instant noodles

Text and photos byMi’er

Because she doesn’t drink much due to a low alcohol tolerance, Mi’er seldom drinks alcohol. Among all types of alcoholic beverages, however, she particularly enjoys “smelling” the aroma of whisky. Whenever she encounters a whisky with notes of toffee, hazelnut, or chocolate, she’ll cradle the glass in her hands like a child, greedily sniffing it over and over.

Naturally, because of her limited alcohol tolerance, Mi’er rarely attends events centered around drinking. Even though she likes whisky-themed bars, she has never been to one. So, even though the backyard bar opened by whisky expert Lin Yifeng had already gained widespread fame, she didn’t feel particularly motivated to visit—until his “Little Backyard” debuted at New Century A9 Mall. By chance, Mi’er got the opportunity to interview Lin Yifeng there, which allowed her to finally get a glimpse of this hidden gem.

Those familiar with whisky know that Lin Yifeng’s backyard bar is known as a whisky museum, housing over 400 varieties of spirits. But Lin Yifeng, whose nature is full of adventure and a playful spirit, wasn’t satisfied with this. After a long period of preparation, an upgraded version of the “backyard” landed inside a department store—and it boasts over 2,000 types of whisky from around the world, making the title of whisky museum all the more fitting.

Upon entering the “Little Backyard” through its understated entrance, you’re immediately struck by the whisky wall that surrounds you on three sides. To carry on the legacy of the original backyard, in addition to offering an outdoor seating area, various herbs have been planted outdoors—not only beautifying the space but also serving as the perfect ingredients for bartenders to craft cocktails, giving the drinks here an absolutely fresh and delightful flavor. What excites whisky enthusiasts the most is that the whiskies here aren’t just for “display and collection.” Especially some limited-edition bottles that are “one less with every sip,” which many collectors are reluctant to drink because they still have value appreciation potential. But at the Little Backyard, as Lin Yifeng laughingly says: “As long as you can afford it, every bottle can be ordered by the glass.”

*Excessive drinking is harmful to health

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Don’t drink and drive.

With great booze, of course, comes great food. To ensure the food at Little Backyard is as playful and fun as the drinks, Lin Yifeng specially brought back the head chef who had worked at the original backyard eighteen years ago to make a comeback. Together, they designed a menu that blends Japanese, European, and Taiwanese flavors. For example, the most popular and therapeutic dish—the “stir-fried instant noodles”—was a “clash-of-flavors” specialty dish discussed and created by Lin Yifeng and the chef. The chef also uses “sprays” to enhance the aroma and taste of dishes, adding an interactive and fun element for guests.

The salad made with seasonal vegetables is seasoned with yuzu oil and fleur de sel, and also sprayed with yuzu fragrance to add a playful twist. The spiced wild mussels are infused with Indian AMRUT whisky spray, giving them an enticing aromatic spice note.

The stir-fried instant noodles are a proud creation of Lin Yifeng and the chef. They don’t necessarily use any specific brand of instant noodles, but when a soft-boiled egg is added, the noodle body has a texture reminiscent of the core of Italian pasta—a truly comforting dish.

The oven-roasted truffle spring chicken stays juicy even when cold. The spring chicken is marinated, then stuffed with truffles under the skin before roasting, and is even more delicious when served with beef bone marrow jus.

An old-school cocktail made with American rye whisky, enhanced with square sugar, bitters, and citrus peel oil for a warm, sweet aroma.

*Excessive drinking is harmful to health

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Don’t drink and drive.

A MOJITO made with the unique peaty Islay ARDBEG whisky is shaken to release the aromas of mint and lime.
*Excessive drinking is harmful to health

The distiller’s logo, engraved with a swan motif on the whisky tasting glass, creates the visual of a swan gliding on the water as the liquor is poured—a touch of Lin Yifeng’s signature humor.
*Excessive drinking is harmful to health

Ice cubes frozen at minus 30 degrees and carved in the fastest way possible create a frozen-yet-melting effect in the drink, especially suitable for sipping rich, oily whiskies, allowing the liquor to release a unique honey-like aroma.

Whisky expert Lin Yifeng has seamlessly integrated whisky with lifestyle and taste, creating the upgraded version of the whisky museum, the “Little Backyard,” which whisky enthusiasts flock to as a pilgrimage site.

The three-sided whisky wall is nothing short of spectacular visually.

The elegant tasting space incorporates Lin Yifeng’s proudly unique aesthetic design.

A discreet yet eye-catching entrance design.

A lush outdoor seating area planted with plenty of herbs used for cocktails.

Little Backyard

Address: 3F, No. 9, Songshou Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2722-0353
Business hours: 11:00–02:00

Author: Mi’er, who started working as a food journalist after graduating from National Chengchi University’s Department of Chinese Literature. Coupled with being raised under the guidance of her chef mother, she has a highly sensitive palate for food. She not only loves eating but also enjoys cooking. Due to her work, she often travels around the country in search of delicious food, sharing her culinary experiences on her blog and frequently organizing group food outings. She is the author of the book “Group Food Tasting Reports.”
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