As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can certainly shed some light on why Chartreuse can be hard to find. Chartreuse is a unique and highly sought-after spirit that has a rich history dating back centuries. It is produced by the Carthusian monks in France, who have been carefully crafting this herbal liqueur for over 400 years.
One of the main reasons why Chartreuse may be hard to find is its limited production. The recipe for Chartreuse is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few monks who continue to produce it in the monastery located in the French Alps. This small-scale production, combined with the meticulous attention to detail and the use of traditional methods, means that the supply of Chartreuse is limited.
Furthermore, the production process of Chartreuse is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The herbs and botanicals used in making Chartreuse are macerated and then distilled in a copper still. The resulting spirit is then aged in oak casks for several years, allowing the flavors to develop and harmonize. This lengthy aging process adds to the overall scarcity of Chartreuse, as it takes a significant amount of time before each batch is ready for consumption.
Another factor that contributes to the scarcity of Chartreuse is its popularity and high demand. Prior to the pandemic, Chartreuse had gained a cult following among cocktail enthusiasts and mixologists who appreciated its unique flavor profile and versatility in cocktails. This increased demand, coupled with the limited production, often leads to shortages and difficulty in finding Chartreuse on the market.
Additionally, Chartreuse has traditionally been associated with on-premise settings, such as upscale cocktail bars and restaurants. It was often used as a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Last Word or the Chartreuse Swizzle. However, with the closures and restrictions imposed on these establishments due to the pandemic, the demand for Chartreuse in the on-premise market significantly decreased. This sudden shift in demand, coupled with the limited production capacity, has further contributed to the challenges in finding Chartreuse.
It is worth mentioning that Chartreuse also comes in different varieties, including the Green Chartreuse and the Yellow Chartreuse. The Green Chartreuse is the more well-known and widely available variety, while the Yellow Chartreuse is milder and sweeter. The availability of each variety may vary depending on the market and the specific distribution channels.
The scarcity of Chartreuse can be attributed to its limited production, time-consuming production process, high demand, and its association with on-premise settings. These factors, combined with the popularity and cult following of Chartreuse, make it a highly sought-after spirit that can be challenging to find in the market.