Introduction
Among the most legendary liqueurs in the world, Chartreuse VEP occupies a special place.
Made by Carthusian monks according to a secret recipe, it is distinguished by its exceptionally prolonged aging , synonymous with balance, depth and rarity.
But what makes this version so unique?
Let's discover together its history, its production method and the French artisanal alternatives such as De Michellot herbal liqueurs , heirs to the same spirit of excellence.
What is the Chartreuse VEP?
The acronym VEP stands for “Exceptionally Prolonged Aging” .
It refers to a rare and prestigious version of Chartreuse Verte or Chartreuse Jaune , aged for many years in the monastery cellars, in oak barrels.
Origin of the name
Created in the 20th century, VEP was born from the desire to offer a more complex and refined Chartreuse , thanks to much longer aging than traditional versions.
⏳ Some VEP vintages rest for more than 15 to 20 years in barrels , which develops woody, balsamic and deeply harmonious aromas.
The development of the Chartreuse VEP
A recipe that has remained secret since 1605
Like all Chartreuses, VEP is produced from 130 plants, herbs and flowers .
The exact recipe is known only to two Carthusian monks , guardians of the secret for more than four centuries.
Exceptional aging
What distinguishes VEP is time :
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Prolonged aging in large oak barrels.
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Slow oxidation which rounds out the aromas.
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Perfect integration between alcohol, sugar and plant essences.
🌿 Result: a liqueur of incomparable aromatic depth , sweet but complex, lively but balanced.
The two types of Chartreuse VEP
Green Chartreuse VEP
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🌿 Degree : 54% vol.
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🌱 Profile : intense, vegetal, slightly resinous.
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🍯 Aromas : mint, spices, noble wood, alpine herbs.
Controlled power and exceptional length in the mouth.
Chartreuse Yellow VEP
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🌾 Degree : 42% vol.
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🌼 Profile : sweet, honeyed, floral.
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🍋 Aromas : honey, anise, turmeric, vanilla, meadow herbs.
Sweeter than the green one, it seduces with its delicious and silky side.
The unique taste of Chartreuse VEP
VEP is distinguished by a velvety texture and an aromatic complexity that only time can provide.
Taste profile
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🌿 Attack : fresh and herbaceous, typical of Chartreuse.
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🌸 Mid-palate : floral, slightly sweet and spicy.
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🍯 Finish : long, warm, woody and balsamic.
💎 Each sip reveals different notes depending on the temperature and the moment of tasting — a sensory journey through time.
How to taste Chartreuse VEP?
As a digestive
The best way to enjoy it is neat, at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Use a small tulip glass to concentrate the aromas.
As an aperitif or in a cocktail
Although rare and precious, some bartenders enhance it in high-end creations:
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Chartreuse Old Fashioned
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VEP Spritz
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Negroni VEP
🍸 Its vegetal intensity enhances bitter and floral cocktails.
The rarity and value of Chartreuse VEP
Production of Chartreuse VEP is extremely limited .
Each bottle is numbered , sealed with wax , and delivered in a solid wooden box .
Price and availability
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💰 Average price : between €350 and €600 depending on the vintage.
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🏺 Rarity : sold in limited quantities, often reserved for collectors.
This rarity contributes to its legend—and the appeal it holds for enthusiasts worldwide.
Artisanal alternatives to Chartreuse VEP
As VEP has become difficult to find, some French producers offer artisanal herbal liqueurs that capture its spirit: balance, nature and aromatic complexity.
🌿 Michellot's herbal liqueurs
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Génépi De Michellot → floral, vegetal and refined.
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Gentiane De Michellot → noble and balanced bitterness.
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Verbena De Michellot → lemony and soothing freshness.
Natural French creations, without artificial flavors, which extend the botanical heritage of Chartreuse.
Chartreuse VEP: symbol of French monastic know-how
The Chartreuse VEP embodies the perfection of time, nature and silence .
But beyond its prestige, it reminds us that French herbal liqueur remains a living art.
Craftsmen like De Michellot are its new guardians, perpetuating this tradition with passion and modernity.
🌿 From Chartreuse to Gentian, the same thread connects these creations: respect for the plant and love of true taste .
Conclusion
Chartreuse VEP is a liquid work of art: rare, noble and timeless.
Aged with patience, it concentrates centuries of monastic know-how and botanical passion.
And if you want to rediscover this French authenticity in more accessible creations, explore Michellot's Plant Liqueurs — natural heirs to the great Alpine tradition.
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