Élixir Végétal de la Grande-Chartreuse

This product is not expected to be sold in the USA, but it is now. I found bottles in Spokane, WA in June 2024. The 100ml bottle is 69% ABV and came in a wooden case for $60. The label differs from the one shown here, only reading "Vegetal" instead of "Elixir Vegetal," but it's the same product. The instructions suggest a few drops in cold water or on sugar, or use as bitters for health. I'm tasting it neat and then chilled neat. It has a Chartreuse color, though less vibrant green, with strong, coating legs. The aroma is classic Chartreuse: intense herbal notes, mint, anise, and a soft floral sweetness. No alcohol scent. The alcohol hits hard on the palate, but it's accompanied by a strong herbal, minty, anise, peppery, earthy, medicinal flavor that's distinct from regular or VEP Green Chartreuse. It feels more concentrated, as if strained through a worn, funky sock. The oily mouthfeel coats the palate and tingles, leaving a lingering sensation. It almost seems to lightly fizz or foam on the tongue with held breath. There's a touch of sweetness, just enough to make the medicinal taste palatable. Served chilled, it's quite pleasant, slightly mellowing the alcohol while allowing the unique herbal character to stand out. It was an indulgence, but less expensive than a trip to Paris I had considered (the Elixir was a secondary reason for that potential trip). Looking online now, it seems available at some California liquor stores for half my price, but that would require another trip. For now, I'll explore with what I have and enjoy it, hoping I won't need to rely on its medicinal properties for a cold anytime soon. Hush, silent monks!

Exceptional. For years, this has been my go-to remedy for coughs and sore throats. Delicious flavor that is medicinal in a positive way.

This is really great.