Chartreuse Yellow Liqueur (700ml) - 40% ABV bottling

One of the liqueur immortals, Chartreuse is the product of monks from the Carthusian order who originated the product at their establishment in the French Alps called “Grande Chartreuse”. Unfortunately, this order was banished from France to Spain just after the turn of the century, and at Tarragona they again set up with their secret formula compounded of elixirs from 130 odd and rare herbs, water, sugar and fine spirits. (The production has since returned to France.) Green Chartreuse (55%alc./vol.) is most pungent and expensive. Only three monks know how to blend and distill the recipe. They are also the only ones who know which plants they have to macerate to produce the natural green and yellow colours.

Yellow Chatreuse, first produced in 1838, is just as good, though milder, sweeter and more aromatic. It is not only invaluable as a liqueur with coffee, but is the final decoration for a Gin daisy and other delicate drinks. The much sought after White Chartreuse, the sweetest version of the three, also exists or did exist. Whatever the case, it's unavailable in Australia. Chartreuse is most often drunk on its own or with ice. Alternatively, it makes a refreshing Summer sipper mixed with tonic.