This rare Taiwanese single cask release, “Delicate Masculinity” (Cask 138.5), was distilled in May 2014 and bottled at natural cask strength after 5 years of maturation in a refill barrel. With only 60 bottles allocated to the USA, this is a highly collectible Society bottling.

SMWS 138.5 Delicate Masculinity Tasting Notes

Nose: Light, delicate smoke reminiscent of long-emptied ashtrays and abandoned kilns, softened by creamy toffee sweetness. With water, aromas of cocoa, brown sugar, golden syrup, gunpowder, and bacon butties emerge.
Palate: Rich layers of toffee, dark chocolate, and fig balance hints of fino sherry and Marmite. Reduction reveals buttered toast, medicinal sweetness like throat lozenges, with lingering traces of tarry ropes, putty, and grilled sardines.
Finish: Dry and complex, evolving from sweet to savoury, leaving a long smoky impression.

Why Add SMWS 138.5 Delicate Masculinity to Your Collection?

Single cask, cask strength, and limited to just 60 bottles in the USA, this release offers a distinctive glimpse into the rising reputation of Taiwanese whisky. Its marriage of delicate smoke, rich sweetness, and coastal savoury notes makes it not just a captivating dram, but also a highly collectible bottle that reflects the adventurous spirit of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.