CHARTREUSE VEGETAL

Chartreuse monks have guarded their legendary "Elixir of Long Life" formula since 1605, when Marshal François Hannibal d'Estrées presented them with an ancient alchemist's manuscript containing a complex recipe of 130 herbs. After a century of study, Frère Jerome Maubec finally decoded the formula in 1737, creating what became known as Elixir Vegetal de la Grande-Chartreuse. This potent herbal remedy (69% ABV/138 proof) requires extensive preparation through three distinct processes: distillation for aroma, maceration for color, and extraction to capture the beneficial properties of the diverse botanicals.

To preserve its centuries-old secrecy, the complete recipe remains divided among three monks, with no single person knowing the entire formula. Initially distributed by a monk named Frère Charles who traveled with his mule to nearby villages, this meticulously crafted elixir has evolved from medicinal tonic to modern cult classic. The monks continue to produce this all-natural liqueur using the same ancient methods and ingredients, maintaining their unbroken tradition of herbal craftsmanship that connects today's Chartreuse enthusiasts with nearly five centuries of monastic expertise.