The fascinating history of Chartreuse: the herbal liqueur of the Carthusian monks

Chartreuse, the legendary herbal liqueur, has a history that is as remarkable as it is mysterious, dating back to 1605. Back then, the French nobleman Francois Hannibal d'Estrées presented the Carthusian monks in a monastery in Vaubert, a suburb of Paris, with a manuscript containing the recipe for an "elixir of long life". This elixir was developed by an alchemist with knowledge of herbs in the 16th century and was so complex that the monks were initially unable to produce the tonic.

The path to decoding and production

It was not until the beginning of the 18th century, after the recipe had been sent to the mother monastery of the Carthusian order in the mountains of Grenoble, that the monastery pharmacist Brother Jerome Maubec succeeded in deciphering the recipe completely. In 1737, the "elixir of long life" was produced for the first time and sold in small bottles at local markets. This historic elixir is sold today as Chartreuse Elixir Vegetal, 0.1 l, 69%.

The revolution and the secret of the recipe

When the French Revolution broke out in 1789, the monks were expelled from the country. They hid a copy of the manuscript in the monastery and another monk took the original with him into exile. After much turmoil, including the manuscript being sent to the Ministry of the Interior by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, the monks returned to their monastery in 1816 and continued to produce the liqueur. In 1838, they developed the sweeter version Chartreuse Jaune, 0.7 l, 40%.

Relocation and relocation of production

The monks were expelled again in 1903 and production was relocated to Tarragona, Spain. A distillery was also operated in Marseille. The trademark rights were sold in the meantime and later bought back by friends of the monks. Following a landslide in 1935, which destroyed the distillery in Fourvoirie, production was relocated to Voiron near Grenoble, where it still takes place today.

The production of Chartreuse today

The exact recipe and production process for Chartreuse remain top secret and are only known to two monks at a time. These monks mix the 130 herbs and spices in the monastery and send them to the distillery in Voiron. There, the herbs are macerated in high-proof wine alcohol and distilled. After a second maceration, which gives the Chartreuse its characteristic color, the liqueur matures in oak barrels in the world's longest spirits cellar.

The different varieties of Chartreuse

In addition to the famous green Chartreuse Verte, 0.7 l, 55%, there is also the milder Chartreuse Jaune, 0.7 l, 43%. Both variants are characterized by their unique herbal blends and flavor profiles. There are also special bottlings such as Chartreuse V.E.P. Verte, 1 L, 54%, and Chartreuse V.E.P. Jaune, 0.5 L, 42%, which are aged for a particularly long time in barrels.

Exquisite fruit liqueurs from Chartreuse

Chartreuse is not only known for its herbal liqueurs but also offers a selection of high-quality fruit liqueurs. These include the delicate walnut liqueur Chartreuse Eau de Noix, the raspberry liqueur Chartreuse Framboise des Peres Chartreux, the blackberry liqueur Chartreuse Mure Sauvage, the blueberry liqueur Chartreuse Myrtille des Peres Chartreux and the blackcurrant liqueur Chartreuse Cassis des Peres Chartreux.

Chartreuse in modern mixology

Chartreuse has found a firm place in modern mixology. Its complex aromas enrich cocktails such as the Last Word or the Bijou Cocktail and give them a special touch. Experimental cocktails also benefit from the depth and versatility of this exceptional liqueur.

Chartreuse - more than just a herbal liqueur

Chartreuse is more than just an herbal liqueur - it is a piece of history and tradition that has been cultivated by the Carthusian monks for centuries. Whether pure, on ice, or in a cocktail - Chartreuse adds a special touch to any drink. Try the different varieties and discover the variety and depth of this unique liqueur.
At Drinkology, we offer you an exclusive selection of the best Chartreuse liqueurs. Enjoy a piece of French craftsmanship and let yourself be enchanted by the history and aromas of Chartreuse.