Description

SAB. Night Black Bottling Note

“SAB.” is a new whisky brand launched in 2024 after a complete overhaul and rebranding of the blended whiskies from the Saburomaru Distillery. The whiskies from Saburomaru Distillery are originally known for their smokiness, and the SAB. series continues this tradition, with all whiskies focusing on a smoky flavor profile.

SAB. Night Black is a blended whisky that embodies the pursuit of ‘mastering peat,’ with a deeper and more complex smoky flavor. This whisky has an addictive taste that you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s a must-try for any lover of peaty whiskies.”

The packaging design of SAB. Night Black depicts a scene where mountains and trees stand in quiet silhouette, contrasting with the shimmering moon and stars in the night sky.

The SAB. series includes the following products:

• SAB. Sunset Red (46%): This is a blended whisky intended as an introduction to Saburomaru, suitable for both beginners and whisky connoisseurs. It has been developed to be enjoyable in various ways, not just straight.
• SAB. Night Black (46%): This whisky focuses on complexity and depth. It is designed for those who have already developed a taste for smoky whiskies and are looking for a more sophisticated experience.
• SAB. Ocean Blue (46%): This whisky is composed solely of Saburomaru malt and Scottish grain. It offers the strength of a single malt and showcases the best of Saburomaru, thanks to the addition of grain. It is considered the pinnacle of the SAB. series.

With the introduction of the SAB. series, the previous Saburomaru whiskies such as Sunshine Whisky, Junenmyo, Gyokuto, and The SUN will be discontinued. The SAB. bottles use over 90% recycled cullet, resulting in a 23% reduction in weight compared to standard bottles and contributing to lower CO2 emissions.

The majestic mountains of Toyama and the pristine water that nourishes them. The beautiful changing seasons and the culture of craftsmanship nurtured by the lives of the people. The circulation of nature and water, the delicate changes of the seasons, and human craftsmanship have given birth to a whisky that can only be created in Japan, and specifically in Toyama.

SAB., a blended whisky born from the Saburomaru Distillery, rooted in the Toyama Plain and challenging the world, embodies the aesthetic beauty of Japan and the spirit of Toyama.

SAB. Night Black Tasting Note

Nose: A calm and collected aroma greets you, with smoky notes reminiscent of smoldering wood, refreshing hints of woodiness, and a touch of black pepper.

Palate: The whisky glides smoothly and softly across the palate, revealing a pleasant bitterness, a subtle hint of black pepper, and a lingering ashy sensation that coats the tongue. A firm woodiness tightens the overall experience, complemented by an earthy peatiness. It’s gently spicy and assertively smoky. Within the robust flavors, a light sweetness, a delicate bitterness, and a briny note intertwine complexly, creating a deeply layered impression.

Finish: The smoky character persists throughout, leaving a long and lingering smoky aftertaste that envelops the mouth. The aftertaste is extended, truly embodying the concept of “mastering peat” with an exceptionally smoky profile.

Overall: : SAB. Sunset Red, another product in the SAB. line, is likely sweeter and easier to drink due to its higher proportion of grain whisky, which contributes to its sweetness. In contrast, SAB. Night Black has a higher malt whisky ratio, leaning more heavily into the smoky character with less emphasis on sweetness. Compared to the fruitier Junenmyo Noir, SAB. Night Black is drier and particularly highlights the smoky notes. When enjoyed on the rocks, the aroma focuses on the peat, a pleasant bitterness emerges, and the whisky becomes drier and more cohesive. In a highball, the smoky presence is assertive, with a crispness that accentuates the peat and a subtle salinity. This is a whisky geared towards heavy peat lovers rather than casual drinkers.