Dolin Genepy le Chamois Liqueur
Dolin Genepy le Chamois Liqueur is a 45% ABV (90 proof) alpine herbal liqueur in a 750mL bottle from Maison Dolin in Chambery, Savoie — the house founded in 1821 that also makes France's only AOC vermouth. Its primary botanical is Artemisia mutellina, a mountain wormwood hand-harvested from alpine slopes, macerated with 30+ locally sourced alpine herbs in Dolin's own copper alembic and sweetened only with grape must, wine, and sugar. The result sits between absinthe and Yellow Chartreuse: herbal, sweet, cooling, gently bitter. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof; one retailer lists 40% — majority says 45%; bottle read advised)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: alpine herbal liqueur (genepy)
- Origin: Chambery, Savoie, France — Maison Dolin, est. 1821
- Production: wild-harvested Artemisia mutellina + 30+ alpine herbs; real plant maceration; copper alembic; no artificial sweeteners
The Alps' Answer to Chartreuse
Genepy has been the mountain digestif of the French Alps for centuries — poured over snow, sipped after fondue — and Dolin's "le Chamois" is the benchmark commercial expression, made the old way since the house's founding. Because artemisia is a primary Chartreuse botanical, bartenders reach for Genepy des Alpes as the most credible Chartreuse alternative: less proof (45% vs 54%), fewer botanicals, more floral and accessible, and a fraction of the price. It earned a Gold Medal at the 1867 Paris Universal Exhibition, and the US has imported it since 2013. Find more herbal liqueurs and alpine spirits, or the Dolin collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Retailers describe a pale green-gold spirit with fresh alpine herbs, wildflowers, anise, mint, chamomile, lavender, and eucalyptus. The palate is crisp and velvety with herbal genepy and floral undertones; the finish is clean, refreshing, and delicately bitter with lingering floral tones.
How to Enjoy
Chilled and neat as a digestif (the alpine tradition), with tonic, in hot cocoa after a cold day — or 1:1 in any Chartreuse cocktail: Last Word, Bijou, Widow's Kiss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is genepy?
A rare alpine herb (Artemisia mutellina) related to wormwood, hand-harvested in the French Alps and prized for its aromatic, medicinal qualities.
Is it a good Chartreuse substitute?
Yes — the most credible one: lighter, more floral, and far easier on the wallet.
What is the alcohol content?
45% ABV (90 proof) per the majority of retailers; one source lists 40%, so verify against the bottle.
Mountains in a bottle, Chartreuse money in your pocket — order Dolin Genepy le Chamois Liqueur online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.