Green Chartreuse vs. Yellow Chartreuse: The Main Differences

With centuries of history that includes monastic secrets and old manuscripts, Chartreuse is a mysterious organization. French monks have been producing the two primary varieties of this herbal liqueur, Green and Yellow, for almost three centuries. Cocktail revivalists adopted both types in the early 2000s, which raised sales, production, and awareness—more than $30 million in 2022. The level of enthusiasm is so great that earlier this year, there was even a shortage of Chartreuse.

Exploring Chartreuse: The Herbal Liqueurs You Need to KnowIntroduction to Chartreuse

If you're building a well-stocked liquor cabinet, having a reliable source of Chartreuse is essential. Known for their herbaceous complexity, both green and yellow chartreuse are versatile cocktail ingredients that can also be enjoyed neat. Here’s everything you need to know about these iconic herbal liqueurs.

Green Chartreuse: A Historical Gem

Made since at least 1764 by Carthusian monks in the Chartreuse Mountains of France, Green Chartreuse is a herbal liqueur. The recipe is said to contain 130 botanicals, although the exact formulation remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a few monks.

A Rich History

The origins of Green Chartreuse trace back even further, with some sources claiming that the monks began producing herbal distillates as early as 1084. In 1605, a nobleman named François-Annibal d’Estrées provided the monks with a manuscript containing instructions for creating botanical-based drinks. This inspired the monks to develop what would become the Elixir Végétal de la Grande Chartreuse.

Production faced interruptions during the late 18th century due to political unrest, but by 1825, the monks resumed distillation. Green Chartreuse, with its original 60% ABV, was even prescribed for cholera patients. Over the years, the recipe was refined, and by 1840, it was marketed as Green Chartreuse.

Despite challenges, including expulsion from France in 1903, the monks established a distillery in Spain and returned to their homeland in 1921. Today, Green Chartreuse is still produced in the Chartreuse Mountains, where its distinctive verdant color comes from natural chlorophyll, free from artificial dyes.

Flavor Profile and Uses

With an ABV of 55%, Green Chartreuse boasts complex flavors that range from earthy and herbal to zesty and peppery. Traditionally served chilled as a digestif, it has also found its way into classic cocktails like the Bijou, Tipperary, and Last Word.

Yellow Chartreuse: A Softer Alternative

Since 1840, Carthusian monks have been producing yellow chartreuse. Like its green counterpart, it also contains 130 botanicals, with the exact recipe remaining a secret. Unlike Green Chartreuse, Yellow is colored naturally with saffron, giving it a distinct lemon hue.

A Brief History

The journey of Yellow Chartreuse began in 1838, when one monk experimented with a clear liqueur made from lemon balm. Another brother created a yellow herbal liqueur with a different blend of botanicals. This collaboration resulted in the successful launch of Yellow Chartreuse in 1840, complementing the Green variant and gaining popularity across France and Italy.

Flavor Profile and Cocktail Applications

Yellow Chartreuse features a gentler flavor profile, with a 43% ABV and a sweeter, softer texture compared to the bolder Green. This liqueur can be enjoyed straight or in cocktails such as the classic Alaska. Bartenders have also innovated new recipes, like the Naked & Famous and the Greenpoint, which creatively incorporate Yellow Chartreuse.

Key Differences Between Green and Yellow Chartreuse

While both Green and Yellow Chartreuse share a base of 130 botanicals and oak aging, there are notable differences:

• Base Spirits: Green is made from sugar-beet liquor, while Yellow starts with a grape-based distillate.
• Coloring Agents: Green derives its color from chlorophyll, while Yellow uses saffron.
• Alcohol Content: Green Chartreuse has a higher ABV of 55%, compared to Yellow's 43%.

Both liqueurs can be served neat or on the rocks and serve different roles in cocktails. Green Chartreuse adds herbal complexity to drinks like the Gimlet or balances sweetness in an Irish Coffee, while Yellow's sweetness complements spirit-forward cocktails like the Monte Cassino.

Aging and Collectibility

Chartreuse benefits from aging, with some enthusiasts believing that Yellow Chartreuse develops more complexity over time. Collectors often seek rare bottles with silver tops produced before the 1980s, when the company switched to black caps. The Chartreuse VEP (Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolongé) versions, aged for at least eight years, are highly sought after for their exceptional quality.

Conclusion

Both Green and Yellow Chartreuse are not just liqueurs but a rich tapestry of history, flavor, and versatility. Whether enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails, these herbal elixirs are a must-have for any cocktail enthusiast looking to elevate their home bar.