Chartreuse Tarragone Santa Tecla Jaune 2012

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Chartreuse Tarragone Santa Tecla Jaune 2012 Chartreuse

An intense golden-yellow colour, characterised by remarkable brightness and depth, derived from the natural pigmentation provided by saffron and aged botanical infusions.

Fresh and distinctly spicy, the bouquet reveals a subtle botanical complexity. Noticeable notes of turmeric intertwine with the vibrancy of citrus fruits (lemon, orange, bergamot) and the delicate aniseed touch of fennel or star anise, offering a very approachable sweetness that invites exploration.

The tasting experience unfolds sequentially. The attack highlights turmeric aromas, the brightness of citrus fruits, and a subtle aniseed touch. The mid-palate reveals pronounced floral characteristics, a herbaceous dimension, and delicate honey notes that contribute to an overall sensation of smoothness. The structure avoids any alcoholic harshness. The finish is impressively long, with lingering herbaceous notes, floral echoes, and a gradual fading of the spices.

Traditionally enjoyed as a digestif after a hearty meal, this liqueur is best savoured in a relaxed setting, over conversation. To achieve the ideal balance between alcoholic structure, sweetness, and the aromatic expression of its 130 botanicals, it is recommended to serve it between 11°C and 13°C, after several hours in the refrigerator (avoiding the freezer). On the gastronomic side, its aromatic profile beautifully enhances sauces served with game meats and pâtés, as well as seafood preparations, particularly delicate shellfish, whose flavours it elevates without overpowering them.

While this exceptional limited edition stands beautifully on its own for pure, contemplative tasting, it is also part of a rich festive tradition. During the Santa Tecla celebrations, it is traditionally enjoyed as a "mamadeta" (one tenth Chartreuse Jaune, one tenth Chartreuse Verte and lemonade). In contemporary mixology, it shines in classics such as the Alaska (with gin) or the Episcopal (paired with Chartreuse Verte), although we recommend savouring this rare vintage unadorned to fully appreciate its complexity.

This edition has an alcohol content of 43% by volume, a historic specification permanently reinstated since 2009. It has benefited from extended ageing in large oak foudres, the exact duration of which is determined solely by the monks' sensory expertise.

An Exceptional Liqueur from the Chartreuse Massif and Tarragona

Founded in 1084 by Saint Bruno in the Alpine massif, the Carthusian Order continues a thousand-year-old monastic tradition. The story of their famous elixir began in 1605 with the delivery of a mysterious manuscript, and its definitive formula was established in 1764. Today, production is managed by Chartreuse Diffusion, under the direction of its Chairman and CEO, Emmanuel Delafon. The company operates in service of the monks' material needs, prioritising long-term preservation and environmental sustainability over unlimited growth. Historically, following their expulsion from France in 1903, the monks took refuge in Catalonia, where they produced a highly prestigious Spanish liqueur until 1989. A true jewel of spirits heritage, Chartreuse remains an inimitable creation, the fruit of expertise jealously guarded by the monastic community.

The Chartreuse Tarragone Santa Tecla Jaune 2012 embodies a rare convergence of monastic tradition and territorial commemoration. Since the year 2000, an annual partnership has linked the brand to the city of Tarragona to celebrate the Santa Tecla festivities, honouring the city that welcomed the persecuted monks. This 2012 edition, produced in around four thousand bottles, features a back label reproducing that year's official festival poster.

As a top-tier herbal liqueur, its composition is based on grape marc spirit, water, sugar, and a mysterious symphony of 130 botanical elements. Its golden colour comes exclusively from saffron, with no synthetic colouring whatsoever. Crafted using age-old methods including grinding by the monks in the plant room, distillation, and multiple macerations, this cuvée has patiently aged in the historic cellars of Voiron. Highly sought after by collectors today, it bears witness to a bygone production era and offers remarkable ageing potential, with an aromatic complexity that continues to evolve majestically in the bottle.