Sag Persian Raisin Aragh 750ml

In a distillery in Yonkers, New York a group of Iranian artists and friends are reviving an ancient Persian liquor: SAG — the forbidden spirit.

A variant of the raisin-based Aragh Keshmesh (meaning “distilled raisins”), SAG is a contemporary take on the Aragh Sagi, issued by the Meikadeh company in the 1960s. Taking its popular name (literally meaning “distilled dog” and sometimes plainly referred to as ‘dog sweat’) from the image of a beagle on the label, Aragh Sagi has — like all alcohol — been a stray dog in its home country since the Islamic revolution in 1979. Now exiled to illegalized home distilleries and consumed in hiding from the authorities, the history of Aragh Sagi is, however, also the history of a long middle eastern tradition of distillation and consumption of alcohol.

Rooted in ancient recipes and using the finest Californian raisins SAG was born in a kitchen in Brooklyn over late night talks reminiscing about the founders’ fond memories of a youth spent in Iran. Bridging culture and history, SAG offers a taste of their illegal underground parties and a music scene, where home brewed beer and moonshine flowed freely. The only American brand (and one of only three worldwide) SAG has quickly become popular within New York’s large Iranian diaspora when they gather to celebrate thousand-year-old festivals such as Yalda (winter solstice) and Nowruz (Persian new year, coinciding with spring equinox).

SAG’s smooth and subtle sweetness is balanced by a gentle warmth, creating a strong flavor that lingers on the tongue. In its home country Aragh Sagi is often consumed with meze, small spicy and flavorful dishes, in a convivial and festive environment. Exquisite tastes and a zesty atmosphere also pour into SAG’s specifically designed cocktails which pay tribute to the long culinary tradition of Iran. Blending the licorice-like taste of tarragon with the sour and palatable lavashak (dried fruit rolls), or the bitterness and tanginess of dried and black lemon with the sweetness of pomegranates or watermelon, SAG offers the senses a delicious trip to — for some — home, for others a new land.