Chartreuse

A very potent liqueur, made only by the Carthusian monks of La Grande Chartreuse, near Grenoble, France. Chartreuse is made from 130 alpine herbs following a secret formula developed in 1605. This recipe is known only to the monks, who protect it by their vow of silence. Chartreuse is imported in America in three flavors, or colors, which also signify the strength of the liqueur. Green is 110 proof, yellow is 80 proof, and a third style, known as V.E.P., is 108 proof, but this is not readily available. The color chartreuse is named for the green variety of the liqueur.