Izarra Green Liqueur
Izarra Green Liqueur is an 80-proof (40% ABV) 700mL French herbal liqueur from the Basque Country by Groupe Vedrenne — 13 plants and rare spices led by dominant peppermint, distilled in a copper still and blended with Armagnac. Fresh, mentholated, and intensely herbal, it is the US trade's favorite Green Chartreuse alternative. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof) per current official sources (historical listings cite 48% — bottle read recommended)
- Size: 700mL
- Style: Basque herbal liqueur — 13 plants, mint-dominant, + Armagnac
- Origin: Basque Country, France (Groupe Vedrenne)
- Production: 13 plants and rare spices; copper-still distillation (heart retained); two macerations; blended with Armagnac
The Green Wave
Where the Yellow Izarra is honeyed and round, the Green is electric: 13 plants and rare spices dominated by peppermint, distilled in a copper still with the heart of the distillate retained, then blended with Armagnac per the 1906 original recipe. Two macerations — of prunes and walnut husks — add depth beneath the menthol lift. US trade copy positions it squarely as a Green Chartreuse alternative, and Wine Enthusiast gave it 94 points in 2024. Imported by Preiss Imports of Ramona, CA. Browse the Vedrenne collection, more liqueurs, and Del Mesa's brandy and Armagnac shelf.
Tasting Notes
Fresh mint and alpine herbs on the nose; a vibrant, mentholated palate of peppermint, camphor, and warm spice with Armagnac richness underneath; a long, cooling herbal finish.
How to Enjoy
Ice-cold neat as a digestif, in a Last Word or Bijou-style cocktail wherever green Chartreuse is called for, or simply over crushed ice with a sprig of mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Izarra Green the same as Green Chartreuse?
No — but it is widely positioned as an alternative: a French herbal liqueur with dominant mint character. Izarra is Basque-made and blended with Armagnac, a different recipe entirely.
What proof is Izarra Green?
40% ABV (80 proof) per all current official and trade sources. Older listings cite 48%; the bottle label on Del Mesa's stock is the final word.
What is it made from?
13 plants and rare spices (peppermint dominant), two macerations, copper-still distillation, blended with Armagnac.
Electric green, Basque-born — pick up Izarra Green Liqueur online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.