Chartreuse

Chartreuse is one of the world’s most iconic herbal liqueurs, produced by Carthusian monks in the French Alps using a secret recipe of 130 botanicals. Explore Green Chartreuse, Yellow Chartreuse and alpine herbal spirits alongside cocktail favourites, digestifs and rare bottles.

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  • Green Chartreuse Liqueur 70cl (55% ABV) at The Beerhive, Edinburgh. Free UK shipping.
    TASTING NOTES
    Herbal, Mint, Spice and Citrus

    Green Chartreuse Liqueur 70cl (55% ABV)

    Notes: Herbal, Mint, Spice and Citrus
    £54.00
    £54.00
  • Yellow Chartreuse at The Beerhive, Edinburgh. Free UK shipping.
    TASTING NOTES
    Honey, Herbs, Citrus and Spice

    Yellow Chartreuse

    Notes: Honey, Herbs, Citrus and Spice
    £50.00
    £50.00

Chartreuse occupies a unique place in the world of spirits. Produced by Carthusian monks in the French Alps using a secret recipe believed to contain 130 herbs, plants and botanicals, it has developed an almost mythical reputation amongst bartenders, collectors and drinks enthusiasts. The recipe dates back to a manuscript received by the monks in the early 17th century, with commercial production beginning in the 1700s. Today, only a handful of monks know the full formula.

Green Chartreuse is the most intense and recognisable expression, bottled at 55% ABV with vivid alpine herbal character, menthol, pine, spice and remarkable length. Yellow Chartreuse is softer, sweeter and more floral, offering saffron, honey and citrus notes while remaining unmistakably Chartreuse. Both continue to age and evolve in bottle, something rare amongst liqueurs.

Chartreuse has become increasingly sought after in recent years due to the global cocktail revival and the monks’ decision to deliberately limit production. Rather than expand output, the Carthusians have prioritised monastic life and sustainable production, leading to genuine worldwide scarcity.

Beyond classic cocktails like the Last Word, Bijou and Alaska, Chartreuse works beautifully served chilled, alongside dark chocolate, alpine cheeses or after dinner as a digestif. It also sits naturally alongside alpine wines, herbal amari, génépy and other traditional European botanical spirits.

Explore Green Chartreuse, Yellow Chartreuse and a growing collection of alpine herbal liqueurs and cocktail favourites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chartreuse?

Chartreuse is a famous French herbal liqueur produced by Carthusian monks using a secret recipe believed to contain 130 herbs, plants, and botanicals. It is known for its intense herbal character, natural green or yellow colour, and exceptional complexity.

What is the difference between Green Chartreuse and Yellow Chartreuse?

Green Chartreuse is stronger, more herbal, and more intense, bottled at 55% ABV. Yellow Chartreuse is slightly sweeter, softer, and lower in alcohol at 40% ABV, with notes of honey, saffron, and citrus alongside the signature alpine herbs.

Why is Chartreuse hard to find?

Chartreuse has become increasingly limited in recent years due to restricted production from the monks, growing global demand, and allocation limits. Many rare bottlings and special releases sell out quickly.

How should you drink Chartreuse?

Chartreuse can be enjoyed neat, over ice, in cocktails, or as a digestif after dinner. Green Chartreuse is especially popular in classic cocktails like the Last Word, while Yellow Chartreuse works beautifully in lighter, softer serves.

Does Chartreuse age in the bottle?

Yes! Unlike many liqueurs, Chartreuse can evolve and develop over time. Older bottles are highly sought after by collectors, with vintage releases often showing deeper herbal integration and oxidative complexity.

What cocktails use Chartreuse?

Some of the most famous Chartreuse cocktails include the Last Word, Bijou, Chartreuse Swizzle, and Greenpoint. Both Green and Yellow Chartreuse are highly valued by bartenders for their unique herbal intensity and versatility.

Is Chartreuse still made by monks?

Yes. Authentic Chartreuse is still produced by Carthusian monks in France using the closely guarded original recipe. Only a small number of monks are believed to know the full formula.

What does Chartreuse taste like?

Chartreuse is intensely herbal, complex, and layered, with flavours that can include mint, alpine herbs, anise, citrus peel, spice, pine, honey, and floral notes depending on the expression.

Is Chartreuse vegan?

Chartreuse does not contain any known animal-derived ingredients and is generally considered suitable for vegans, though the producers do not prominently market it as certified vegan.

Do you stock rare or vintage Chartreuse bottles?

At The Beerhive we regularly source limited edition, allocated, and vintage Chartreuse bottlings when available. Availability changes frequently due to high demand and limited production.