Chartreuse V.E.P. Green is the pinnacle of one of the world's most secretive and sought-after spirits. Produced exclusively by the Carthusian Monks at the Aiguenoire distillery in Entre-deux-Guiers, Isère, France, using a manuscript recipe of 130 botanicals dating to 1605, the V.E.P. designation — Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolongé, or "Exceptionally Prolonged Aging" — was introduced in 1963 to identify batches hand-selected by the monks for years of additional maturation far beyond the standard bottling.
Where standard Green Chartreuse is bold and intensely herbal at 55% ABV, the V.E.P. undergoes at least 8 years of aging in small oak demi-muid casks, transforming the same 130-botanical recipe into something measurably deeper, silkier, and more refined without losing the vivid alpine intensity the green expression is famous for. Each 1-liter bottle is individually hand-numbered and wax-sealed, released in strictly limited quantities and presented in the brand's iconic handcrafted wooden gift box. Rated 98 points by Wine Enthusiast, it stands as one of the highest-rated herbal liqueurs ever reviewed.
At 54% ABV and 108 proof, the Green V.E.P. is the more powerful of the two V.E.P. expressions — significantly bolder and more herbaceous than the Yellow V.E.P. (42% ABV). It's the one to reach for if you want the full force of Green Chartreuse with the added depth and polish that 8+ years of oak maturation can provide. Best enjoyed neat at cool room temperature as a digestif, or used sparingly in spirit-forward cocktails where its intensity can anchor an entire drink.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Intensely aromatic alpine herbs, peppermint, pine resin, anise, clove & basil with a subtle woodsy earthiness from extended oak aging
- Palate: Rich, slightly syrupy entry with menthol, sage, licorice & peppery spice, opening into floral honey, citrus peel & angelica with remarkable clarity
- Finish: Exceptionally long & warming with layers of spice, earthy herbs, sweet herbal tea & refined oak character
Product Details
- Produced Exclusively by the Carthusian Monks, Aiguenoire Distillery, Isère, France
- Secret Recipe of 130 Botanicals, Dating to 1605
- V.E.P. Designation Introduced in 1963 — Exceptionally Prolonged Oak Aging
- Aged 8+ Years in Small Oak Demi-Muid Casks
- Individually Hand-Numbered & Wax-Sealed
- Presented in Iconic Handcrafted Wooden Gift Box
- 98 Points, Wine Enthusiast
- Intentionally Limited Annual Production
- 54% ABV (108 Proof)
- 1 Liter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chartreuse V.E.P. Green?
It's the ultra-premium, extended-aged expression of Green Chartreuse, made by Carthusian Monks from 130 botanicals using a recipe dating to 1605. The V.E.P. designation means selected batches are aged for at least 8 years in small oak demi-muid casks — far longer than standard Green Chartreuse — resulting in greater depth, silkier texture, and exceptional complexity. It's rated 98 points by Wine Enthusiast.
What is the difference between Chartreuse V.E.P. Green and V.E.P. Yellow?
Both are extended-aged expressions of Chartreuse, but they are fundamentally different spirits. Green V.E.P. is bottled at 54% ABV (108 proof) and is boldly herbal, intensely aromatic, and powerful. Yellow V.E.P. is bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) and is sweeter, gentler, and more floral. Green is the stronger, more complex of the two.
What cocktails can I make with Chartreuse V.E.P. Green?
Green Chartreuse is essential in the Last Word (equal parts gin, maraschino, green Chartreuse, lime juice) and the Naked and Famous (equal parts mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, lime juice — though some bartenders swap green for added intensity). At V.E.P. proof and price, it's best enjoyed neat as a digestif rather than in high-volume cocktails.
How long is Chartreuse V.E.P. Green aged?
At least 8 years in small French oak demi-muid casks, compared to standard Green Chartreuse which is not given extended oak aging. The additional years allow the 130-botanical recipe to integrate and develop aromas of great complexity and long persistence.
Why is each bottle hand-numbered?
The hand-numbering reflects the extremely limited and closely controlled annual production. The Carthusian Monks select specific batches for V.E.P. aging by hand, and the numbered, wax-sealed bottles signal that each one is part of a strictly finite release — once a vintage is gone, it is not restocked.
Is Chartreuse V.E.P. Green worth the price?
For serious collectors and liqueur enthusiasts, yes. The combination of 8+ years of oak aging, hand-numbered limited production, 130-botanical complexity, a 98-point Wine Enthusiast score, and no viable substitute at this level of herbal intensity justifies its position as an ultra-premium benchmark. It also sits above $400 at most secondary market prices when in-stock retail allocations sell out.
*Actual product may differ slightly from the image shown.