ABV: 55%
Size: 70cl
Description
Chartreuse Green Liqueur is a celebrated spirit from France, acclaimed for its complex flavours and rich heritage, earning 96 points from Wine Enthusiast. Its history is linked to the Carthusian monks, who founded their monastery in 1084 in the French Alps. The journey began in 1605 with a manuscript titled "An Elixir of Long Life," leading to the creation of the original Chartreuse Elixir in 1737. Initially a health tonic, its popularity inspired the milder Green Chartreuse we enjoy today. Crafted from over 130 herbs, plants, roots, and leaves infused in wine alcohol, this vibrant liqueur showcases a unique character. With its versatility, it can be sipped neat, on the rocks, or used in cocktails, inviting you to explore its intriguing complexity.
WINE ENTHUSIAST 96 points
The Chartreuse Order of the Carthusian monks was founded in 1084, which makes it one of the oldest religious orders in Christianity. The Order was more than 500 years old when, in 1605, they received a special gift: a manuscript titled "An Elixir of Long Life". A long and complex recipe, it was not fully studied until 1737 by the monastery's apothecary. After intensely studying the manuscript and performing a series of test runs, the Chartreuse Elixir was finally created! This "liqueur of health" was distributed into small villages in the area. People were so fond of it that they drank it as a beverage, rather than taking it as medicine. Realizing this, the monks made a milder beverage, which we know today as "Green Chartreuse". Presently, only two monks have been entrusted by the Order with the production secrets of this unique spirit. Chartreuse Green Liqueur is created by macerating over 130 herbs, plants, roots and leaves into a base of wine alcohol, creating a complex, flavourful liqueur with a natural green colour.
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ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Chartreuse is a renowned French liqueur known for its unique flavours, vibrant colours, and remarkable complexity. Produced by the Carthusian Monks in the French Alps since the 18th century, Chartreuse has a rich history, which dates back to 1737 when the monks were given a recipe for a "long life elixir." Over the years, they refined this formula, resulting in the creation of the famous liqueur that we know today.
Chartreuse is made from a blend of 130 different herbs, plants, and flowers, which are carefully selected and macerated to extract their essential oils and flavours. The precise recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few monks. The liqueur is available in two primary varieties: Green Chartreuse and Yellow Chartreuse.
Green Chartreuse is the original formulation, featuring a bold and herbaceous flavour profile, along with a distinct green colour derived from the chlorophyll in the herbs. It has a high alcohol content of around 55% ABV, making it a potent and complex liqueur often enjoyed in cocktails or as a digestif.
Yellow Chartreuse, on the other hand, is sweeter and milder, with a lower alcohol content of around 40% ABV. It is infused with a different blend of botanicals, resulting in its characteristic yellow hue and a flavour that is softer and more floral compared to its green counterpart.
The versatility of Chartreuse makes it a popular choice for both sipping and mixing in a variety of cocktails. It is a key ingredient in classic drinks such as the Last Word, Champs-Élysées, and the Chartreuse Swizzle, showcasing its ability to enhance and elevate cocktails with its complex flavour profile.
With its unique taste, storied history, and commitment to quality, Chartreuse has garnered a loyal following among spirits enthusiasts and bartenders alike. Whether enjoyed on its own, over ice, or incorporated into cocktails, Chartreuse offers a distinctive and memorable drinking experience steeped in tradition.
