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, flavorful liqueur with a natural green color. Although typically served as a digestif, Chartreuse is also an essential ingredient in cocktails such as The Last Word and Amber Dream. 

Wine Enthusiast (96-100) Points