Inexperienced Chartreuse vs. Yellow Chartreuse: What is the Distinction?

Chartreuse, the famously complicated French liqueur produced by the Carthusian Monks at their mountain monastery north of Grenoble, conjures up a singular form of ardour. 

Certainly, it typically feels as if the drinks world is split into two elements: People who find themselves comparatively agnostic about Chartreuse, and people who find themselves obsessed. The center floor is just about barren territory.

The previous 12 months or so has been a tough time for these of us who obsesses over it. In January of 2023, a letter was launched that despatched green-tinged shock waves across the planet: The monks would restrict manufacturing with the intention to “defend their monastic life and commit their time to solitude and prayer.” 

Mix that with the uptick in dwelling cocktail-making that was one of many hallmarks of the pandemic lockdowns, and we now discover ourselves in a state of affairs the place it’s typically difficult to seek out bottles wherever however your native cocktail bar, which (hopefully!) has an allocation, or a supply for an allocation.

What’s Chartreuse?

Chartreuse is an natural liqueur that’s been produced in France by the Carthusian monks since 1764, although the brothers of the order have been distilling eaux-de-vie for the reason that late eleventh century.

The origins of the recipe date to 1605, when a nobleman with the majestic identify François-Annibal d’Estrée gave the Chartreuse monks a recipe that, greater than a century later, would turn into the Elixir Végétale de la Grande Chartreuse. Even at this time, the label of Chartreuse consists of 1605, the 12 months that the monks obtained the recipe from d’Estrée.

There are a number of totally different expressions of Chartreuse; along with the wildly fashionable Inexperienced and Yellow, there are different extra-aged and limited-edition bottles that collectors have a tendency to hunt out with specific enthusiasm.

Whatever the particular expression of Chartreuse, the recipes are strict secrets and techniques; rumor has it that solely two or three monks know all the main points, and with the intention to guarantee its survival in case tragedy strikes, they by no means journey in the identical automobile collectively.

What’s Inexperienced Chartreuse?

Inexperienced Chartreuse is an natural liqueur that’s crafted from 130 botanicals, primarily based on a beet-sugar spirit, and aged in oak barrels.

It rings in at 110 proof, or 55% ABV, and possesses a considerably woodsy character alongside candy, virtually minty notes, in addition to nods within the course of pine, herbs, and pepper. A lingering bitterness ties all of it collectively, making it notably savory. As for the enduring coloration, that comes from chlorophyll, versus synthetic coloring brokers.

What’s Yellow Chartreuse?

Yellow Chartreuse can be made with 130 botanicals, however the recipe is totally different from the Inexperienced and the bottom spirit is derived from grapes, not sugar beets.

Its yellow coloration comes from saffron, and at 86 proof, or 43% ABV, Yellow Chartreuse is softer and barely sweeter than its Inexperienced counterpart. It’s additionally a more moderen liqueur than the unique Inexperienced, having simply hit the market in 1840 – virtually yesterday in Chartreuse phrases! Within the glass, it’s shiny and spiced, and the official tasting notes on the Chartreuse web site word flavors of citrus, turmeric, anise, and flowers.

The distinction between Inexperienced Chartreuse and Yellow Chartreuse

Inexperienced and Yellow Chartreuse work together in distinctive methods in cocktails, although Paul Einbund, proprietor of The Morris restaurant in San Francisco, a beloved vacation spot for Chartreuse lovers, makes positive to level out that it’s tough to go incorrect.

“They’re each improbable irrespective of the way you need them! For sipping neat, I desire to mix them: In a Cardinal, which is 2 elements inexperienced to at least one half yellow, or an Episcopal, which is 2 elements yellow to at least one half inexperienced.”

Additionally they each work properly in cocktails that include different elements. The Final Phrase is probably going essentially the most well-known, which consists of inexperienced Chartreuse, gin, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice; and the Alaska, which is made with Yellow Chartreuse, gin, and orange bitters.

Einbund additionally enjoys the Eclipse cocktail — Yellow Chartreuse, white rum, and lemon juice — and the Crown, which is inexperienced Chartreuse, Benedictine, and maraschino liqueur.

The Morris is well-known for its Chartreuse slushy, too, which appears significantly pretty as we head into the summer season. And even should you don’t dwell close to San Francisco, a do-it-yourself inexperienced Chartreuse and tonic is sort of as refreshing.