Chartreuse V.E.P. (green)

Superannuated expression of green Chartreuse. V.E.P. stands for “vieillissement exceptionnellement prolongé.” Proprietary potent classic French high proof multi-herbal monastic liqueur of the green variety. Only three Carthusian monks know the formula of 130 herbs and flowers for the 110 proof Chartreuse at any given time. It is still produced today (now in Voiron) on monastery property as it has been since 1764. The liqueur was spawned by the more concentrated and intense medicinal Elixir Vegetal, and has itself since spawned a yellow variety (in 1838). Called for in many cocktails, notably the Widow's Kiss. Any recipe referencing “Chartreuse” without further qualification implies this basic green expression. While Chartreuse is arguably the definitive “monastic liqueur”, it is also a product of profound importance in mixology has also proven specifically unsubstitutable.