In this article, you will learn what Green Chartreuse is, its history, how it’s made, and its distinctive flavor.
We will also discuss how to drink it, use it in cocktails, and discuss some variations like Yellow Chartreuse.
You’ll learn why it’s a unique and complex liqueur, appreciated by many for its bold herbal taste.
Contents
What is Green Chartreuse?
Green Chartreuse is a French herbal liqueur made by Carthusian monks.
It has been around for over 400 years. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, only known by two monks at a time.
It contains 130 different herbs, plants, and flowers. This gives it a unique and complex flavor.
The liqueur gets its bright green color from the plants used in the recipe. No artificial coloring is added.
It is a strong drink, with an alcohol content of 55%. This makes it one of the strongest liqueurs available.
Green Chartreuse History
Green Chartreuse was first made in 1737, based on a recipe from 1605.
The monks of the Carthusian order received the recipe from François Annibal d’Estrées, a marshal of the French army.
It was originally created as an “elixir of long life,” meant to be medicinal.
Over time, the monks refined the recipe and began producing it as a drink.
They’ve continued making it in their monastery in the French Alps, near the town of Grenoble, ever since.
The production was interrupted several times throughout history. The monks were expelled from France during the French Revolution, and again in 1903.
During these times, production moved to Spain. However, the monks eventually returned to France and resumed making the liqueur.
Green Chartreuse Ingredients and Production
Green Chartreuse is made using 130 different botanicals. These include herbs, roots, spices, and flowers.
The exact recipe remains secret, so we don’t know all the ingredients.
However, some known ones include arnica, balm, cinnamon, hyssop, and thyme.
The ingredients are steeped in alcohol to extract their flavors. The mixture is then distilled and aged in oak barrels.
The aging process helps mellow the intense flavors and rounds out the liqueur’s taste. The final product is bottled without any artificial colors or flavors.
The monks use only natural ingredients in the liqueur.
The green color comes from chlorophyll, a natural pigment found in plants. This gives it a distinctive bright green appearance.
The high alcohol content also acts as a preservative, helping to keep the liqueur fresh for a long time.
Green Chartreuse Flavor Profile
Green Chartreuse has a very complex flavor. It’s herbal, spicy, and slightly sweet, with strong flavors.
When you first sip it, you’ll notice the sharp bite from the alcohol.
As it settles on the palate, layers of herbal, floral, and citrusy notes come through. There’s also a touch of sweetness, but it’s not overpowering.
The finish is long and warming, with lingering herbal and spicy flavors.
The flavor evolves as you drink it. Different people notice different flavors, depending on what herbs stand out to them.
It can taste overwhelming to some, but for others, the complexity makes it interesting.
Green Chartreuse Uses
Green Chartreuse can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some people drink it straight, especially after a meal as a digestif.
Others prefer it on the rocks, which helps mellow the strong flavor. Because of its high alcohol content, many people also dilute it with water, soda, or tonic.
Green Chartreuse is also used in many cocktails. One of the most famous is the Last Word, which mixes Green Chartreuse with gin, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.
It adds herbal depth to cocktails, balancing sweetness and citrus flavors.
It’s also used in drinks like the Bijou, which combines it with gin and sweet vermouth.
In cooking, Green Chartreuse can be used in desserts. Its herbal flavor pairs well with chocolate, citrus, and fruit-based dishes.
Some chefs also use it in sauces for savory dishes, particularly those with game meat.
How to Drink Green Chartreuse
There are many ways to drink Green Chartreuse, depending on your preference. Here are a few popular methods:
1. Neat: Drink it straight at room temperature to fully experience the complex flavors.
2. On the Rocks: Pour it over ice to dilute the alcohol slightly and mellow the intensity.
3. With Water: Add a splash of cold water to open up the flavors.
4. In Cocktails: Use it as a cocktail ingredient to add depth and complexity.
Green Chartreuse should be sipped slowly. The flavor can be intense, so it’s best enjoyed in small amounts. Its high alcohol content means it can be overpowering if you drink too much at once.
Chartreuse VEP
There is a special version of Green Chartreuse called VEP (Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolongé), which means “exceptionally prolonged aging” in French.
This version is aged for a much longer time in oak barrels. The aging process softens the flavors, making it smoother and more refined.
It’s considered a high-end version of the liqueur and is usually more expensive.
The flavor is more balanced, and the alcohol burn is less sharp, but it still retains the herbal complexity of the original.
Storing Green Chartreuse
Green Chartreuse should be stored in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet or pantry.
The high alcohol content and natural ingredients mean it can last for many years without spoiling.
Some people say that Green Chartreuse improves with age, even after it has been bottled.
However, it’s best to keep it out of direct sunlight, as this can affect the color and flavor.
There’s no need to refrigerate Green Chartreuse. The alcohol and natural herbs help preserve it.
If you like it chilled, you can store it in the fridge, but it’s not necessary.
Yellow Chartreuse
In addition to Green Chartreuse, there is also Yellow Chartreuse.
It’s made by the same monks but has a slightly different recipe.
Yellow Chartreuse is milder, sweeter, and has a lower alcohol content (43%).
The flavor is still herbal but more floral and honey-like compared to the sharpness of Green Chartreuse.
The yellow color comes from different plants, and like the green version, it’s all-natural.
Both versions have their own distinct characteristics, and some people prefer the softer taste of Yellow Chartreuse.
