Chartreuse

The Mysterious Origins of Chartreuse and its Ancestral Recipe

In the 13th century, the Carthusian monks founded a monastery in Vauvert, on the lands that would later become the Luxembourg Gardens. Their erudition in the field of medicinal plants led them to collaborate with scholars such as'Arnaud de Villeneuve and Raymond Lull'. However, their greatest success remains the elixir of Chartreuse, which they obtained a recipe for from Duke François-Annibal d'Estrées in 1605. It was after several decades of unsuccessful research that the monks finally managed to unravel the secrets of this recipe with multiple ingredients. Under the auspices of the Prior and General of the Order in 1737, the apothecary Brother Jérôme Maubec finally found the final formula of the elixir. This formula has been jealously guarded and passed down ever since, made up of more than 130 different plants.

Towards the Commercialization of the Liqueur: The Vicissitudes of History

The French Revolution shakes up the history of Chartreuse and sees the confiscation of the clergy's properties. The monks were forced to flee into exile in Spain at the beginning of the 20th century before being able to reintegrate their distillery. Nevertheless, the production and commercialization of their precious elixir continues. The distillery was destroyed by a landslide in 1935, forcing the Carthusians to rebuild their site. However, despite these various obstacles and twists, the ancestral art of liqueur making persists and still finds its audience.

The Creation of a Mythical Liqueur: The Secret Manufacturing Process

To this day, only two monks of the Carthusian Order know the full recipe and participate in its realization. The plants necessary for the creation of Chartreuse are transported to the monastery of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse where they are sorted, dried, ground, and measured with extreme precision according to the original recipe from 1605. Throughout the manufacturing process, several maceration, filtration, and aging in barrels operations take place in the Voiron cellar. This vast space, considered one of the largest liqueur cellars in the world, gives Chartreuse its uniqueness.

Discover the Unique World of Chartreuse: Must-See Visits

• Musée de la Grande Chartreuse: located only 2 km from the monastery founded by Saint Bruno, it welcomes visitors between April and November for an audio-guided tour retracing the history of the Carthusians and their famous liqueur.
• The historic cellars of Voiron: explore the unsuspected world of this true underground cathedral where the precious bottles of Chartreuse are preserved and aged, respecting the ancestral traditions fully.

For a more complete discovery of this heritage, several thematic excursion formulas are available: guided tours followed by a tasting, sensory experiences, cocktail workshops, or even medicinal plant workshops for children.

Chartreuse Today: A Global Success that Has Lasted for Centuries

So it's almost 400 years of expertise that have allowed the mythical liqueur to traverse eras, from Saint Louis to today. Despite increasingly stiff competition and the jealously guarded secret of its recipe, Chartreuse continues to seduce palates worldwide and maintain an international reputation thanks to the impeccable quality of its ingredients and the tireless work of the monks perpetuating its legacy.

For years, Chartreuse has been a globally renowned liqueur for its unique taste, personality, and the fascinating history that accompanies it. Made by the Carthusian monks since the 17th century, it is derived from 130 different plants and carries a truly jealously guarded manufacturing secret within it. Today, this tradition continues in the world of cocktails, where Chartreuse lends itself willingly to the most audacious mixes.

Let's discover together some famous cocktail recipes based on Chartreuse, as well as the different bottles available on the market.

Creativity: Cocktails with Green Chartreuse

The Green Chartreuse is the one that lends itself best to making a multitude of tasty and surprising cocktails. Thanks to its strong and slightly bitter taste, it brings an undeniable touch of originality to any mixed drink.

• Last Word: a cocktail created in the 1920s that combines Green Chartreuse, gin, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. A perfectly balanced cocktail that has stood the test of time.
• Alaska: combining the flavors of Green Chartreuse and gin, with a touch of lemon juice for a refreshing and original drink.
• Champs-Élysées: a cocktail based on cognac, Green Chartreuse, and lemon juice, topped with a dash of angostura bitters. A delight for the palate.

More Chartreuse Cocktail Ideas:

1. Mix Green Chartreuse, white rum, lime juice, a few fresh mint leaves, liquid cane sugar, and crushed ice to make a delicious Chartreuse Mojito.
2. To impress your guests at a colorful evening, pour equal amounts of Green Chartreuse and peach schnapps into a shooter glass, then top it all off with a splash of flamed vodka. Then serve this flaming cocktail under the evocative name of Green Dragon.
3. Create a delightful twisted blend by preparing a Moscow Mule, a cocktail consisting of ginger beer (non-alcoholic ginger beer), vodka, lime juice, and now Green Chartreuse in addition to these usual ingredients. In this variant that you can name Chartreuse Mule, remember to also add a few fresh mint leaves.

The Different Bottles of Chartreuse and How to Choose Them

Although the green version is the most known, there are actually several variations of this liqueur made by the Carthusian monks. Each of them has its own character and can be useful depending on the type of cocktail you wish to craft.

Green Chartreuse (55%):

The most famous of the Chartreuses! Its unique color comes from the herbal elixir contained in the bottle. Slightly bitter, it brings a true signature to any respectable cocktail. Its high alcohol content also gives it a certain popularity among lovers of good liqueurs.

Yellow Chartreuse (40%):

Less powerful than the green, the Yellow Chartreuse is softer and sweeter, thanks notably to the honey it contains. This difference in taste allows for the creation of indulgent cocktails that the green would struggle to adapt to. The exotic flavors of tropical fruits and the refined taste of dry fruits such as roasted hazelnuts or almonds are highlighted with this variant of liqueur.

We have been able to explore some famous cocktail ideas based on Green Chartreuse, as well as the different bottles available on the market. Creativity and excellence are on the agenda when seeking to create bold and original mixes with this globally renowned liqueur for its personality and unique taste. Yellow Chartreuse offers a softer and sweeter option for indulgent cocktails with exotic flavors. Whichever variant is chosen, it is certain to bring an elegant and unexpected touch to your next mixed drink creations!

Thunderbolt from the Carthusian Fathers in May 2023

Chartreuse, made in Isère for over four centuries, is experiencing unprecedented popularity in the United States. Since the pandemic, the demand for Chartreuse has skyrocketed, particularly for recreating cocktails at home, not only in the United States but also worldwide. Despite an annual production that has increased by 20% since 2019, reaching 1.6 million bottles, the demand currently exceeds the supply, both in France and abroad. The United States remains the main export market, although the quantity sold there remains relatively small compared to the population of over 300 million people. The Carthusian Fathers, who are the only holders of the secret recipe for the liqueur, do not wish to indefinitely increase production, preferring to focus on their monastic life and prayer.

A Reasoned Growth for Chartreuse

As part of their commitment to "reasoned growth", the monks are considering diversifying the business in the field of herbalism, taking into account biodiversity and limiting the harvest of rare plants necessary for the recipe. France remains the primary market for Chartreuse, accounting for about 50% of total sales, with a large part of the distribution taking place in Rhône-Alpes.

A well-known mechanism when demand exceeds supply.

Since this statement by the monks, Chartreuse has experienced unprecedented speculative value. Although the Carthusian fathers ban these practices, bottles of liquors find themselves on auction platforms.

In the world of liqueurs, Chartreuse V.E.P. (Exceptionally Extended Aging) and Chartreuse Magnums hold a special place for connoisseurs of exceptional spirits. Let's discover together the secrets of these gastronomic treasures developed by the Carthusian monks for centuries.

The secret of Chartreuse V.E.P. (Exceptionally Extended Aging)

It was in 1963 that the first special edition of Chartreuse was born: the Chartreuse V.E.P., which stands out for its exceptionally extended aging in oak vats. This process refines the flavors and enhances the taste quality of the product. Chartreuse V.E.P. is now available in green and yellow versions.

Journey to the heart of the Chartreuse V.E.P. manufacturing process

The creation of Chartreuse V.E.P. is based on an ancestral recipe jealously guarded by the Carthusian monks. Here are some key steps in the process:

1. Plant maceration: The vegetable ingredients, carefully weighed and measured, are left to macerate in neutral alcohol for several weeks.
2. Distillation: Once the maceration is finished, this liquid preparation is distilled to extract the aromatic essences.
3. Maturation in oak vats: The obtained mixture is then placed in oak vats to age. Chartreuse V.E.P. spends several years there, during which it develops its aromatic richness.
4. Bottling and wax seal: The bottles of Chartreuse V.E.P. are then filled and sealed with a specific wax seal, attesting to their authenticity.

The Chartreuse Magnums: luxury in a large format

In addition to the classic versions, some vintages of Chartreuse are also available in magnum format. These large bottles allow to better preserve the aromas of the liqueur, while offering an elegant and refined presentation for enthusiasts and collectors.

A prestigious selection for exceptional events

The Chartreuse Magnums are ideal for marking special occasions and major events:

• Family celebrations: A wedding, a birthday, or a baptism deserves to be celebrated in style.'
• Professional receptions: Offering a magnum of Chartreuse shows your sense of taste and your respect for your business partners.
• Personalized gifts: To please a loved one who is a spirit enthusiast, nothing beats a magnum of Chartreuse with a personalized label.

How to taste Chartreuse V.E.P. and Chartreuse Magnums?

Tasting these exceptional spirits should be done with care to fully appreciate the richness of the aromas and enhance their taste. Here are some tips:

• Temperature: Chartreuse V.E.P. is generally enjoyed cool, but not icy, while the magnums can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• Glasses: Use suitable glasses, such as liqueur glasses, brandy glasses or small balloon glasses, to release the aromas of Chartreuse.
• Gourmet pairings: You can accompany the tasting of a Chartreuse V.E.P. or a Chartreuse Magnum with sweet dishes like chocolates, dried fruits or red fruit desserts.

With their rich and complex flavors, Chartreuse V.E.P. and Chartreuse Magnums are indispensable choices for enthusiasts of liqueurs made with passion and expertise. A true gustatory pleasure to savor without moderation!

Where to Buy Chartreuse?

In our store in Paris, we offer Chartreuse, although it is becoming very rare. However, we always have Yellow or Green Chartreuse in stock. You can find this famous elixir of the monastic monks on this same page. We provide delivery to 155 countries around the world, including the 51 states of the United States.

Why Chartreuse Has Become So Rare: 5 Reasons

Chartreuse is a spirit produced by the monks of the Carthusian order since the 18th century. Its rarity can be attributed to several factors:

1. Production method: Chartreuse is made from a secret recipe that includes many plants and herbs, making its production lengthy and complex. The Carthusian monks are very strict about the quality and tradition of their production, which limits the quantity produced.
2. High demand: Chartreuse is a highly appreciated and sought-after spirit by enthusiasts, creating a strong demand for a relatively rare product.
3. Aging: Some varieties of Chartreuse require extended aging in oak barrels, which can also limit the product's availability.
4. Production limitation: The monks of the Carthusian order maintain a limited production to preserve the quality and authenticity of their product, contributing to its rarity in the market.
5. Polluting export and production: Despite increasing demand, the Carthusian monks have decided not to increase their production to preserve the quality of their product. Since 2023, they have also made the ethical decision to no longer export their products to the United States by polluting maritime transport means such as container ships. Instead, Chartreuses will now be transported to American soil aboard sustainable cargo sailing ships like the Très Hombres.

Overall, the rarity of Chartreuse is due to a combination of factors, including the complexity of its production, high demand, and deliberate limitations by the producers to maintain product quality.