Chartreuse Gentiane Liqueur

Try it in a White Negroni with equal parts Gin, Chartreuse Gentiane, and Blanc Vermouth. Chartreuse Gentiane also shines well over ice with a squeeze of lemon as an aperitif, or mixed into citrus-forward cocktails and highballs where its distinctive gentian bitterness can play off brighter flavors—it's particularly refreshing during warmer months and pairs beautifully with charcuterie, aged cheeses, and herb-forward dishes that complement its botanical complexity.

Nose: Fresh gentian root leads with its characteristic earthy bitterness, followed by bright lemon peel and orange zest. There's a subtle herbal quality reminiscent of dried chamomile and a hint of white pepper spice. The aroma is cleaner and more focused than the green or yellow Chartreuse, with less of the Alpine herb complexity and more emphasis on citrus and root.

Palate: The gentian bitterness arrives immediately but isn't overwhelming—think of the pleasant bite in a quality tonic water but more pronounced. Lemon and grapefruit pith provide citrus bitterness alongside the root, while a light sweetness (less sugary than many liqueurs) keeps everything balanced. Subtle notes of honey, dried flowers, and a whisper of anise appear mid-palate. The texture is smooth and slightly viscous without being syrupy.

Finish: Medium length with lingering gentian bitterness that slowly fades. The citrus notes retreat quickly, leaving behind dried herbs and a clean, slightly drying sensation similar to white vermouth. A faint peppery warmth and touch of sweetness remain at the very end. The finish is refreshing rather than heavy, inviting another sip.

Chartreuse Gentiane starts with a beetroot-based spirit that the Carthusian Monks infuse with wild gentian harvested from the French Alps, then blend with their secret selection of herbs and spices—a simpler formula than their famous Green and Yellow Chartreuses, but still cloaked in monastic mystery. The gentian root brings that characteristic alpine bitterness, while the monks' proprietary botanical mix adds layers of citrus, floral, and spice notes that make this liqueur far more complex than your typical bitter aperitif.

• Chartreuse Gentiane is the rebellious younger sibling in the legendary Chartreuse family—at just 22.7% ABV, it's the lightest spirit the secretive Carthusian monks have ever produced, making it their gateway into the aperitif world after centuries of crafting only high-proof elixirs.
• The gentian root that gives this liqueur its backbone grows wild in the French Alps at elevations above 3,000 feet, where it can take up to 50 years to mature—meaning the bitterness in your glass literally has decades of mountain patience built into it.
• Despite being created in 1998, Chartreuse Gentiane remains one of the monks' best-kept secrets—only two Carthusian brothers alive today know the complete recipe, and they're forbidden from traveling together to ensure the formula survives, just like with the famous Green and Yellow Chartreuses.