I’m stretching this out to make it last as long as I can, because I don’t want it to end. “Ordinary” Chartreuse is already extraordinary, and Chartreuse VEP is even more so. The “VEP” stands for “vielleisement exceptionellement prolongé” — literally, “exceptionally prolonged aging”. Prolonged 15 years in oak casks, which gives Chartreuse VEP a smoothness and a finish that are incomparable. If it’s possible, this stuff will spoil you for “ordinary” Chartreuse … but watch your wallet, because Chartreuse VEPcoute très chère — $95 a bottle at my local emporium.

Well, actually, I don’t recommend Chartreuse for everybody, because it’s not a drink everybody is ready for. This is for grown-up drinking. The flavor is herbal and complex, and you’ve got to have a certain sophistication of palate to appreciate it. If that’s you, give it a try.

Chartreuse is made by Carthusian monks at their motherhouse, La Grande Chartreuse, in the mountains near Grenoble. They contract out distribution, but they still do the actual production. The Carthusians are perhaps the most austere monastic order in the Catholic Church, and are dedicated solely to contemplative prayer. The liqueur is one of their chief means of support.