The Chartreuse is a very strong liquor that is made by French monks of the Chartreuse monastery according to a secret formula. The two sorts (Green and Yellow) are completely natural. They come from a secret blending of plants, alcohol and sugar. For ones, we will not be able to talk about the fabrication process..

Two colors, two strengths

	Green Chartreuse
	It takes no less than 130 plants to create the Green Chartreuse. The recipe is a secret that is known by only three monks. Only they know the quantities and sorts of plants and flowers that are to be used to create the liquor. The Alcohol content is 55 percent (110° proof US).
	Yellow Chartreuse
	The Yellow Chartreuse is also completely natural. It is milder and sweeter than its green counterpart. It was introduced to the world in 1838. The alcohol content is 40 percent alcohol (80° proof US).

There is also a special kind of Chartreuse called Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolongé, (V.E.P.) which comes in an original bottle from the 1840's and is encased in a wood box. The V.E.P. is more mellow and refined in flavor so it goes down smoother.

How to drink Chartreuse

It can be drunken after dinner but more and more people appreciate it as a long drink.It is consumed very cold ideally on ice. They can also be used as a component for some cocktails.

Chartreuse History

The monastery and the manuscript went through a lot of turmoil. However, maybe through their faith and prays, they managed to keep the recipe a secret and make the Chartreuse a worldwide commercial success. The considerable royalties accruing to the order finance much charitable work.

The monks of the Chartreuse's monastery

Chartreuse monks are contemplative, dedicating their lives to listening in silence to God. Both fathers and brothers lived in the monastery. Both lived lives of prayer and contemplation. Both are properly called monks. The Fathers are priests who have taken holy orders and spend most of their time alone in their cells.

Fun facts about Chartreuse

• The late and last Tsar of Russia - Nicolas the Second - used to drink his Champagne with a drop of yellow Chartreuse.
• To relieve their affliction, cows suffering from flatulence and bloat are treated with Chartreuse Elixir mixed with water by farmers in the Chartreuse mountains.
• Charles de Gaulle was known to have enjoyed chocolate candies filled with Green Chartreuse each evening.
• Yellow Chartreuse was known as "The Queen of Liqueurs" and "The World's Greatest Liqueur" in the late 19th century.

With the amiable authorization of www.chartreuse.fr