Green Chartreuse, a strong green liqueur, gets its characteristic taste and colour from a secret blend of over 130 herbs which is made by Carthusian monks in the Chartreuse mountains just north of Grenoble. The monks had been making herbal elixirs at their monastery since the middle ages but it was in 1764 that Green Chartreuse was introduced.
The original distillery was destroyed in a mudslide so today Chartreuse is made at Voiron. It’s available in its classic green and yellow iterations as well as various limited editions. It’s delicious neat as a digestif or in cocktails like the Last Word - a sour made with Green Chartreuse, gin, maraschino liqueur and lime juice.
A great post prandial tipple, in a tall glass with tonic, on the rocks. (As recommended by the Abbe' of the monastery.)
Hot stuff. Great Stuff
I have seen the light of the way of the Chartreuse and there's no going back. This stuff is divine, so herbal and pleasingly medicinal. It seems to be a bit of an acquired taste among people I have shared it with, but if you're into it you're INTO it.
Wonderful drink, lightly child and drunk straight up, just be careful of the strength, it is just so easy to drink.
I went to the monastery where this stuff was invented. It’s huge! Then had a tour around the distillery followed by a retail opportunity in the shop. There really are only 4 monks that know the recipe for this stuff. So if you are ever in Grenoble; take the time to visit. Oh and BTW store in your freezer. Delicious!
