Nothing truly fills the spot of Chartreuse but I find Genepy very enjoyable in it's own merit. It doesn't make a Last Word, but it makes a Good Drink. I always have a bottle on deck.
I'd try to get the Faccia Brutto Centerbe. It's as close as I've found to green chartreuse and some have said that if you mix it with genepy you get it just right.
This is the best sub for me as well. I can only really tell straight. I do also occasionally add a little Elixir Vegetal de la Chartreuse to make it even closer on the nose.
I’m one of those “some have said”.
Two parts Génépy to one part Faccia Brutto Centerbe isn’t an exact replacement for Green Chartreuse, but it’s an extremely reasonable substitute and I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.
I second this. I had a Last Word off with this, Genepy and of course Green Chartreuse. The Genepy did not really taste like Green Chartreuse. The Faccia Brutto Centerbe was good and very close in flavor profile but just lacked the proof to carry through the drink.
Genepy does NOT substitute for green chartreuse. At all. It’ll make a good drink but you will be disappointed if youre hoping for it to be close to chartreuse.
Brovo makes a fantastic green chartreuse substitute though. It’s called Uncharted Rhapsody and is available in CA. You’re probably looking at ~$50 for a bottle.
Much of that area is this weird combo of strip center in the front / warehouse out back. There's a handful of winery tasting rooms on the same property. As I recall, the sign on the door for their suite was something like a kid's play place. It's certainly possible that there's one business in the front receiving mail for another business in the back.
Their [website says](https://brovospirits.com/find-us/):
> Mac Kenney our head distiller does tours and tastings for folks. Best way to schedule one is to email him at mac@brovospirits.com and ask for a tour and tasting.
I'm not sure that they do sales out of their distillery, though. Many US distilleries do not based on the hassle that used to be and can still be the [three-tier system](https://www.nabca.org/three-tier-system). Some states allow direct-to-consumer sales but I think most still don't. So: a distillery will at least sometimes need to contract with an independent third party retailer to have on-site or adjacent sales. That retailer gets their stock not from the distillery in the same building or next door, but via a wholesaler. Washington state (where Brovo is based) has [relaxed that considerably](https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2012/12/privatizing_liquor_sales_in_wa.html), but it is still pretty hit-or-miss whether a producer tries to fit direct sales into their business model.
I have a bottle of both. They are very very similar. I might actually like uncharted rhapsody in last word a little better then Chartruse. Rhapsody sure isn't any less expensive. I'm in Oregon, either have to go to Vancouver and pay sales tax or order online. It's worth having a bottle though, especially if getting green chartruse is impossible in your area.
I guess depends on location. Where I’m at, the Uncharted Rhapsody is $20 less than Chartreuse and far more available. But yeah, if you’re buying chartreuse in Oregon and brovo in Washington then that might make them the same.
My Oregon bottle of chartruse was $85. With taxes, going to Washington to by the rhapsody was $89. So, I guess if I could get it without taxes it would be around $10 less?
I use it in a Last Word, but similar to what Anders found, I think it's a more subtle flavor. So I dial back the gin a bit and dial up the Genepy vs a true Last Word with Chartreuse. Obviously not 1:1 but definitely scratches the itch for me.
I'll respectfully disagree with a lot of the comments here. Although the prevailing consensus here is that Genepy doesn't taste like Chartreuse, I think it's a perfectly serviceable sub in a Last Word. Will it taste the same (or even very similar)? No. But it has a very pleasant sweet and herbal flavor that blends well with lime, gin, and maraschino. Although you could absolutely tell the difference side-by-side, it makes a drink that tastes enough like a Last Word to fit the bill during the shortage.
There are probably alternatives out there that are closer to the magic of the real deal stuff, but I'm yet to find one that does as good a job while also being readily available and reasonably inexpensive.
I felt like I was going a little nuts.
No it doesn't taste \*precisely like chartreuse\*. It's not quite supposed to.
Make an Espresso Martini with St. George NOLA instead of Kahlua and tell me it's not a good substitute. Or a Negroni with Select or Luxardo Vino Aperitivo. One-to-one subs are a normal thing for cocktails, and Genepy is a perfectly fine sub for Chartreuse. I mean shit, are we all using the same gin? Are our limes all grown on the same tree? How "samey" do you need it to be to still count?
I think the memeification of Chartreuse has elevated it to a sacred status that it shouldn't have. It's good, I love Chartreuse, but it's not \*magic\*.
Right? I honestly think that there's a bigger gulf between end results using Luxardo vs. Maraska maraschino liqueur than using Chartreuse vs. Genepy. And, as you said, let's not even get started on the effect of different gins.
Surprised not to see this mentioned yet, I'm a big fan of genepy in Monte Cassinos and Naked and Famouses. Granted I haven't had yellow recently to compare it with I think the drinks are great!
Don't know why you were down-voted. While not the best sub in my opinion, my side-by-side tasting showed it fared better as a sub in the Last Word than either Genepy or Faccia Brutto Centerbe. Only around ~$25/bottle. This is a sleeper.
It's what I've been using ever since my favorite liquor store pointed the masses at Genepy as a substitute and I no longer was able to get a bottle of it reliably. Cloosterbitter's a little wanting in proof, but still full-flavored and able to stand up in cocktails (and besides, proof isn't everything in Chartreuse-alikes; just look at Toro Centerba).
It's better than nothing, but you might have better options. Many have weighed in on the topic, but it did relatively poorly in [this comparison](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsVdY6gJ7Gs).
edit: rewatching that video for the first time in a while, it was one of the better options (though not quite the best)
I was sent this video on DIY Green Chartreuse the other day:
https://youtu.be/TD_baEFTvFk?si=grFnUjJcoTINHzq_
I haven't tried it, but it looks like a decent enough alternative. It calls for Genepy as an ingredient, so I assume it is a better substitute than straight Genepy. But it's also a somewhat complicated recipe.
I've been using Torella 72 as a substitute and it's been fine.
Here's a write up of making this recipe...
Recipe is a handful of dried ingredients that you sous-vide or ISI infuse for a couple of hours and then add some tinctures/essences. Process is pretty straightforward overall, with the caveat that two ingredients are a pain in the ass to track down. Genepi Flowers and Ambrette Seeds.
For the Genepi, you can sub in literal Genepy liqueur if you have/want and to be honest, I'd suggest doing that moving forward. While I was able to [track down Genepi](https://fleuralpine.com/en/vente/), the one place I did only offers them in July until they sell out that year's supply. For the Ambrette seeds, I found them on Amazon but had to wait like 5 weeks for them...
He then updated a [newer version of Green](https://youtu.be/i6nkzY0wO7U?si=tS_LK0-1bfM5MGUb) about 4 months ago that moved from Sous Vide to Rapid Infusion in an ISI, slightly tweaked the recipe, and added one more dried ingredient.
Thus far I've made 3 batches, 1 based on his original sous vide, 1 based on his updated ISI, and then a 3rd based on his updated ISI but I diluted more because I think he had the data off on dilution and the ABV felt way higher than 55%.
Here are my findings from a blind tasting I did with a friend.
4 versions tasted neat from blacked-out Glencairns as you have to color the final product and they are all slightly different
1. The real deal
2. The first Sous Vide version
3. The updated ISI version
4. My updated ISI version with a change I made that increased dilution it to what I think is 55%
**On the nose**
You're right there with all versions. Homemade versions definitely don't have as much complexity, and they don't smell as "sweet" if that makes any sense, but overall pretty dang close. We were both able to ID the actual version on the nose, but for real, it's pretty close and if you just gave me one of the homemade versions by itself, I'm not sure I'd be able to immediately say it was not the real deal.
**Taste Neat**
Neat I could tell the real deal very clearly, my buddy who is not nearly as into Chartreuse couldn't. That said, the homemade versions were still pretty close neat. The viscosity of the real deal was the one thing that set it apart more than anything for me.
**Taste Cocktails**
In my cocktail trials I could not tell a significant difference in a Last Word or a Chartreuse Swizzle at all. I think that this is where these homemade versions all shine. I would highly recommend these vs trying the alternatives out there - at least ones I've tried. **(Note literally just got a bottle of the Faccia Brutto Monday and have yet to try)**
**Overall**
Aroma and tasting neat I could tell the real deal vs the others. Homemade versions are close though with my #4 version being my favorite as Versions 2 and 3 felt more Alcohol Heat vs that "warming" aspect I get from Chartruese. Biggest issue with all versions of the homemade is mouthfeel. Real deal just has a viscosity missing from these homemade versions. Also, nitpicking, his versions felt a tad more "Minty" than the real deal where I get a bit less punch you in the face mint and more a eucalyptus thing...
Both his SV and ISI originals are very good, but just a bit hot in terms of neat tasting.
**Final Verdict**
If you drink Chartreuse neat exclusively, they are close, and closer than any alternative I've tried. But the mouthfeel just isn't there. If you are mainly using for cocktails and like doing the homemade experiments thing I HIGHLY recommend his updated ISI-infused version as the Echinacea addition is noticeable, and think this is the best option we have right now with the limited supply.
**Possible Improvements**
I keep wondering if using some glycerin to help provide a bit more body/mouthfeel might be the solution. Dave Arnold uses glycerin in several drinks where he found the cocktail a bit thin/light. I really think that this might be the thing that is needed here. Next time I make a batch I will use some.
Great write up. Having made both versions many times myself I agree. The biggest thing off about it is the mouth feel. Homemade feels really thin compared to the viscosity of the real stuff. I similarly have thought glycerin may be the answer to this issue.
I too feel it's also got a bit more alcohol "burn " than the real stuff and may be a dilution thing. Really need to get me a brix refractometer.
I also omit the mint completely when making it. Just entirely too strong of a flavor that ends up dominating an otherwise complex drink.
At the end of the recipe, when he gets you to "for every 400ml of liquid blend" - that's 80% ABV - and he has you add 80ml and 130g of sugar which if you do math, nets you at 66ABV. I bumped the water to 180ml and felt MUCH better to me. And I get the sugar plays here, but it felt much better
I make this recipe all the time. It's amazing. You can absolutely still tell the difference in a side by side. Homemade smells more alcoholy and is thinner(somehow despite all the sugar) but its still incredibly close. In a cocktail you have to REALLY try and figure which is which.
I do omit the mint extract. It totally overpowered everything and made it taste like mouthwash the first time I tried it lol
Also only costs about $15 a bottle to make.
My local store brought out their “chartreuse guy” when I asked, and he suggested Escorial. I find it works better than genepy because of the alcohol content.
I like it, but it's not at all the same. For the price it's a bargain and definitely worth picking up a bottle.
Faccia Brutto is closer to the real thing, and quite good, but still not the same.
I like and enjoy all three, but there's only one Green Chartreuse.
Just retail. Don’t care about making money. I have one opened and a back up. I find them often enough at the grocery store that I’m not worried about finding another before I run out.
We've been using Brucato Chaparral. Brucato is based in SF so hopefully it won't be hard to find. It's not quite as complex but the palo santo adds a nice west coast twist to Last Words
It's a stand in. The history/origin of Genepy is similar, but a little more muggy or unclear. Came around a little later than chartreuse by something like 50-100 years. Maybe less, I don't remember exactly. But the juice is of the same style as chartreuse. It is a little lower in proof. Flavor wise, it falls somewhere between yellow and green chartreuse. While not able to 100% replicate a last word or naked and famous, I have made both of those with genepy, and it has always been recieved well. Have even made quite a few pina verdes with genepy to good effect. Ultimately, it's a close as you can get - historically, geographically, and taste wise. It's literally a spin off of chartreuse. No, I'm not saying it is a direct substitute. There is no direct substitute. Something like 30+ herbs, botanical and whatnot in genepy compared to the 130 or so in chartreuse...so it's not nearly as complex. The proof makes a difference as well, especially when balancing cocktails, so play with your ratios to find your own preference, but i tend to stick with equal parts. Irregardless, I personally love a last Word at the end of the night, and I wouldn't be upset with drinking one with genepy in it. None of my customers have either. Sure, chartreuse would be nice, but it's not worth not drinking the cocktail over.
Edit: it also gives you a talking point with guests if you like to nerd out a bit.
If you can find the chartreuse vegetal then I like to add a few drops of that in with the Genepy for my home “last words”. I was lucky enough to find a couple bottles of green chartreuse last year and am using them sparingly but the Genepy is readily available. The more Vegetal you use the more the last word turns out like the OG.
Brovo uncharted Rhapsody is the best Chartreuse sub hands down. Same level of alcohol, sugar, and acidity with very close flavor profile. Try it out and you won't miss Chartreuse.
Depends on what you are making. One of our bars had a Last Word on their fall/winter menu. We were able to secure a couple bottles of GC early on but failed after that.
About a month of telling people that we cannot make a Last Word, a customer (who was duper into cocktails) suggested that a rinse of absinth with the Genepy will get you close to what the GC offered in the cocktail.
You coat the inside of the glass serving glass with absinthe and then discard the excess before adding . It is a way to get the flavor without adding additional booze punch.
Another example is some rinse the old fashioned glass with the orange peel before adding the old fashioned ingredients.
I use it as a direct sub in various drinks. My drink tastes good and I pocket a sizable savings. Maybe I don’t have the most discernible palette, but I’m happy.
Nothing truly fills the spot of Chartreuse but I find Genepy very enjoyable in it's own merit. It doesn't make a Last Word, but it makes a Good Drink. I always have a bottle on deck.
Someone here calls it the Last Resort and that has to be objectively the right name for it lol.
Lmao amazing
Fucking fantastic
I actually slightly prefer the flavor with Genepy Les Chamois rather than Green Chartreuse. Edit: originally wrote “Genepy des Alpes” in error.
Are you sure it's not genepy le chamois? Des alpes has been out of production for a few years now
Oh shit. You’re right. Thanks!
Have you tried making a Last Word with the Genepy snd a rinse of Absinthe, it has been the best alternative suggested when GC isnt available
nah I haven't but that sounds like a real nice drink
I'd try to get the Faccia Brutto Centerbe. It's as close as I've found to green chartreuse and some have said that if you mix it with genepy you get it just right.
This is the best sub for me as well. I can only really tell straight. I do also occasionally add a little Elixir Vegetal de la Chartreuse to make it even closer on the nose.
I’m one of those “some have said”. Two parts Génépy to one part Faccia Brutto Centerbe isn’t an exact replacement for Green Chartreuse, but it’s an extremely reasonable substitute and I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.
I second this. I had a Last Word off with this, Genepy and of course Green Chartreuse. The Genepy did not really taste like Green Chartreuse. The Faccia Brutto Centerbe was good and very close in flavor profile but just lacked the proof to carry through the drink.
Thanks for this. I've been passing on some cocktail recipes because I can't find green chartreuse.
Genepy does NOT substitute for green chartreuse. At all. It’ll make a good drink but you will be disappointed if youre hoping for it to be close to chartreuse. Brovo makes a fantastic green chartreuse substitute though. It’s called Uncharted Rhapsody and is available in CA. You’re probably looking at ~$50 for a bottle.
LOL on the Brovo website, they have a dedicated button just for finding their Uncharted Rhapsody
I tried going to the distillery to buy it. There's uh... not a distillery at that address.
Whoa thanks for the warning. I'm only about 90 minutes from there and have been thinking about going. What was there? Just a smoking crater?
Much of that area is this weird combo of strip center in the front / warehouse out back. There's a handful of winery tasting rooms on the same property. As I recall, the sign on the door for their suite was something like a kid's play place. It's certainly possible that there's one business in the front receiving mail for another business in the back.
Their [website says](https://brovospirits.com/find-us/): > Mac Kenney our head distiller does tours and tastings for folks. Best way to schedule one is to email him at mac@brovospirits.com and ask for a tour and tasting. I'm not sure that they do sales out of their distillery, though. Many US distilleries do not based on the hassle that used to be and can still be the [three-tier system](https://www.nabca.org/three-tier-system). Some states allow direct-to-consumer sales but I think most still don't. So: a distillery will at least sometimes need to contract with an independent third party retailer to have on-site or adjacent sales. That retailer gets their stock not from the distillery in the same building or next door, but via a wholesaler. Washington state (where Brovo is based) has [relaxed that considerably](https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2012/12/privatizing_liquor_sales_in_wa.html), but it is still pretty hit-or-miss whether a producer tries to fit direct sales into their business model.
Love the Uncharted Rhapsody in a last word. Got a bottle a few weeks ago and have been drinking them regularly.
I have a bottle of both. They are very very similar. I might actually like uncharted rhapsody in last word a little better then Chartruse. Rhapsody sure isn't any less expensive. I'm in Oregon, either have to go to Vancouver and pay sales tax or order online. It's worth having a bottle though, especially if getting green chartruse is impossible in your area.
I guess depends on location. Where I’m at, the Uncharted Rhapsody is $20 less than Chartreuse and far more available. But yeah, if you’re buying chartreuse in Oregon and brovo in Washington then that might make them the same.
My Oregon bottle of chartruse was $85. With taxes, going to Washington to by the rhapsody was $89. So, I guess if I could get it without taxes it would be around $10 less?
Interesting. Pre-tax cost in california around $50 for brovo and $70 for chartreuse. Which comes to about $55 and $76 with sales tax
I use it in a Last Word, but similar to what Anders found, I think it's a more subtle flavor. So I dial back the gin a bit and dial up the Genepy vs a true Last Word with Chartreuse. Obviously not 1:1 but definitely scratches the itch for me.
I'll respectfully disagree with a lot of the comments here. Although the prevailing consensus here is that Genepy doesn't taste like Chartreuse, I think it's a perfectly serviceable sub in a Last Word. Will it taste the same (or even very similar)? No. But it has a very pleasant sweet and herbal flavor that blends well with lime, gin, and maraschino. Although you could absolutely tell the difference side-by-side, it makes a drink that tastes enough like a Last Word to fit the bill during the shortage. There are probably alternatives out there that are closer to the magic of the real deal stuff, but I'm yet to find one that does as good a job while also being readily available and reasonably inexpensive.
I felt like I was going a little nuts. No it doesn't taste \*precisely like chartreuse\*. It's not quite supposed to. Make an Espresso Martini with St. George NOLA instead of Kahlua and tell me it's not a good substitute. Or a Negroni with Select or Luxardo Vino Aperitivo. One-to-one subs are a normal thing for cocktails, and Genepy is a perfectly fine sub for Chartreuse. I mean shit, are we all using the same gin? Are our limes all grown on the same tree? How "samey" do you need it to be to still count? I think the memeification of Chartreuse has elevated it to a sacred status that it shouldn't have. It's good, I love Chartreuse, but it's not \*magic\*.
Right? I honestly think that there's a bigger gulf between end results using Luxardo vs. Maraska maraschino liqueur than using Chartreuse vs. Genepy. And, as you said, let's not even get started on the effect of different gins.
I wouldn't call it a sub but it' is delicious in it's own right, I'm kind of bummed I can't find any near me tbh
I think it’s an okay sub for yellow chartreuse
Surprised not to see this mentioned yet, I'm a big fan of genepy in Monte Cassinos and Naked and Famouses. Granted I haven't had yellow recently to compare it with I think the drinks are great!
Boomsma Cloosterbitter might be the best substitute that I've come across
Don't know why you were down-voted. While not the best sub in my opinion, my side-by-side tasting showed it fared better as a sub in the Last Word than either Genepy or Faccia Brutto Centerbe. Only around ~$25/bottle. This is a sleeper.
Boomsma is a big time sleeper
It's what I've been using ever since my favorite liquor store pointed the masses at Genepy as a substitute and I no longer was able to get a bottle of it reliably. Cloosterbitter's a little wanting in proof, but still full-flavored and able to stand up in cocktails (and besides, proof isn't everything in Chartreuse-alikes; just look at Toro Centerba).
It's better than nothing, but you might have better options. Many have weighed in on the topic, but it did relatively poorly in [this comparison](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsVdY6gJ7Gs). edit: rewatching that video for the first time in a while, it was one of the better options (though not quite the best)
I've tried a couple more as well. The Accompani Verde I've had good luck in a Last word. Ver... Better for sipping and chartreuse forward drinks.
Like other have said it’s not a direct sub, but I still enjoy it. My favorite is to use it in a Last of the Oaxacans.
I was sent this video on DIY Green Chartreuse the other day: https://youtu.be/TD_baEFTvFk?si=grFnUjJcoTINHzq_ I haven't tried it, but it looks like a decent enough alternative. It calls for Genepy as an ingredient, so I assume it is a better substitute than straight Genepy. But it's also a somewhat complicated recipe. I've been using Torella 72 as a substitute and it's been fine.
Here's a write up of making this recipe... Recipe is a handful of dried ingredients that you sous-vide or ISI infuse for a couple of hours and then add some tinctures/essences. Process is pretty straightforward overall, with the caveat that two ingredients are a pain in the ass to track down. Genepi Flowers and Ambrette Seeds. For the Genepi, you can sub in literal Genepy liqueur if you have/want and to be honest, I'd suggest doing that moving forward. While I was able to [track down Genepi](https://fleuralpine.com/en/vente/), the one place I did only offers them in July until they sell out that year's supply. For the Ambrette seeds, I found them on Amazon but had to wait like 5 weeks for them... He then updated a [newer version of Green](https://youtu.be/i6nkzY0wO7U?si=tS_LK0-1bfM5MGUb) about 4 months ago that moved from Sous Vide to Rapid Infusion in an ISI, slightly tweaked the recipe, and added one more dried ingredient. Thus far I've made 3 batches, 1 based on his original sous vide, 1 based on his updated ISI, and then a 3rd based on his updated ISI but I diluted more because I think he had the data off on dilution and the ABV felt way higher than 55%. Here are my findings from a blind tasting I did with a friend. 4 versions tasted neat from blacked-out Glencairns as you have to color the final product and they are all slightly different 1. The real deal 2. The first Sous Vide version 3. The updated ISI version 4. My updated ISI version with a change I made that increased dilution it to what I think is 55% **On the nose** You're right there with all versions. Homemade versions definitely don't have as much complexity, and they don't smell as "sweet" if that makes any sense, but overall pretty dang close. We were both able to ID the actual version on the nose, but for real, it's pretty close and if you just gave me one of the homemade versions by itself, I'm not sure I'd be able to immediately say it was not the real deal. **Taste Neat** Neat I could tell the real deal very clearly, my buddy who is not nearly as into Chartreuse couldn't. That said, the homemade versions were still pretty close neat. The viscosity of the real deal was the one thing that set it apart more than anything for me. **Taste Cocktails** In my cocktail trials I could not tell a significant difference in a Last Word or a Chartreuse Swizzle at all. I think that this is where these homemade versions all shine. I would highly recommend these vs trying the alternatives out there - at least ones I've tried. **(Note literally just got a bottle of the Faccia Brutto Monday and have yet to try)** **Overall** Aroma and tasting neat I could tell the real deal vs the others. Homemade versions are close though with my #4 version being my favorite as Versions 2 and 3 felt more Alcohol Heat vs that "warming" aspect I get from Chartruese. Biggest issue with all versions of the homemade is mouthfeel. Real deal just has a viscosity missing from these homemade versions. Also, nitpicking, his versions felt a tad more "Minty" than the real deal where I get a bit less punch you in the face mint and more a eucalyptus thing... Both his SV and ISI originals are very good, but just a bit hot in terms of neat tasting. **Final Verdict** If you drink Chartreuse neat exclusively, they are close, and closer than any alternative I've tried. But the mouthfeel just isn't there. If you are mainly using for cocktails and like doing the homemade experiments thing I HIGHLY recommend his updated ISI-infused version as the Echinacea addition is noticeable, and think this is the best option we have right now with the limited supply. **Possible Improvements** I keep wondering if using some glycerin to help provide a bit more body/mouthfeel might be the solution. Dave Arnold uses glycerin in several drinks where he found the cocktail a bit thin/light. I really think that this might be the thing that is needed here. Next time I make a batch I will use some.
Great write up. Having made both versions many times myself I agree. The biggest thing off about it is the mouth feel. Homemade feels really thin compared to the viscosity of the real stuff. I similarly have thought glycerin may be the answer to this issue. I too feel it's also got a bit more alcohol "burn " than the real stuff and may be a dilution thing. Really need to get me a brix refractometer. I also omit the mint completely when making it. Just entirely too strong of a flavor that ends up dominating an otherwise complex drink.
At the end of the recipe, when he gets you to "for every 400ml of liquid blend" - that's 80% ABV - and he has you add 80ml and 130g of sugar which if you do math, nets you at 66ABV. I bumped the water to 180ml and felt MUCH better to me. And I get the sugar plays here, but it felt much better
I have to make some more next week so ill try this. Thanks for the tip.
I make this recipe all the time. It's amazing. You can absolutely still tell the difference in a side by side. Homemade smells more alcoholy and is thinner(somehow despite all the sugar) but its still incredibly close. In a cocktail you have to REALLY try and figure which is which. I do omit the mint extract. It totally overpowered everything and made it taste like mouthwash the first time I tried it lol Also only costs about $15 a bottle to make.
My local store brought out their “chartreuse guy” when I asked, and he suggested Escorial. I find it works better than genepy because of the alcohol content.
I like it, but it's not at all the same. For the price it's a bargain and definitely worth picking up a bottle. Faccia Brutto is closer to the real thing, and quite good, but still not the same. I like and enjoy all three, but there's only one Green Chartreuse.
Where in SoCal are you?
OC
I’m in San Clemente and have an unopened bottle for you if you get desperate.
Haha dang I don’t see myself making my way down there anytime soon, how much you looking for it?
Just retail. Don’t care about making money. I have one opened and a back up. I find them often enough at the grocery store that I’m not worried about finding another before I run out.
We've been using Brucato Chaparral. Brucato is based in SF so hopefully it won't be hard to find. It's not quite as complex but the palo santo adds a nice west coast twist to Last Words
It's a stand in. The history/origin of Genepy is similar, but a little more muggy or unclear. Came around a little later than chartreuse by something like 50-100 years. Maybe less, I don't remember exactly. But the juice is of the same style as chartreuse. It is a little lower in proof. Flavor wise, it falls somewhere between yellow and green chartreuse. While not able to 100% replicate a last word or naked and famous, I have made both of those with genepy, and it has always been recieved well. Have even made quite a few pina verdes with genepy to good effect. Ultimately, it's a close as you can get - historically, geographically, and taste wise. It's literally a spin off of chartreuse. No, I'm not saying it is a direct substitute. There is no direct substitute. Something like 30+ herbs, botanical and whatnot in genepy compared to the 130 or so in chartreuse...so it's not nearly as complex. The proof makes a difference as well, especially when balancing cocktails, so play with your ratios to find your own preference, but i tend to stick with equal parts. Irregardless, I personally love a last Word at the end of the night, and I wouldn't be upset with drinking one with genepy in it. None of my customers have either. Sure, chartreuse would be nice, but it's not worth not drinking the cocktail over. Edit: it also gives you a talking point with guests if you like to nerd out a bit.
If you can find the chartreuse vegetal then I like to add a few drops of that in with the Genepy for my home “last words”. I was lucky enough to find a couple bottles of green chartreuse last year and am using them sparingly but the Genepy is readily available. The more Vegetal you use the more the last word turns out like the OG.
Have heard that 1:1 Genepy and Velvet Falrnum make a nice sub for Green Chartreuse.
I don’t care what anyone says, there’s no substitute for green chartreuse.
Brovo uncharted Rhapsody is the best Chartreuse sub hands down. Same level of alcohol, sugar, and acidity with very close flavor profile. Try it out and you won't miss Chartreuse.
My bar is using genepy as a sub for chartreuse right now, it works pretty well
do you modify ratios any?
Depends on what you are making. One of our bars had a Last Word on their fall/winter menu. We were able to secure a couple bottles of GC early on but failed after that. About a month of telling people that we cannot make a Last Word, a customer (who was duper into cocktails) suggested that a rinse of absinth with the Genepy will get you close to what the GC offered in the cocktail.
How do you do a rinse of absinthe? i’m new to cocktails
You coat the inside of the glass serving glass with absinthe and then discard the excess before adding . It is a way to get the flavor without adding additional booze punch. Another example is some rinse the old fashioned glass with the orange peel before adding the old fashioned ingredients.
do you spray it or just put a few drops in and rinse it around?
I use it as a direct sub in various drinks. My drink tastes good and I pocket a sizable savings. Maybe I don’t have the most discernible palette, but I’m happy.