I don’t really drink, but when I do, you can bet it’s going to be a rare, mysterious, and religiously-affiliated liquor. Liqueur Sénancole is a type alcohol made with plants/herbs and only made by monks. It’s an after-dinner digestive that is not usually paired with food. There’s only two abbeys in the whole world that make it. How cool is that!?
I picked this bottle up while visiting the Abbeye de Lérins on Île Saint-Honorat (English version: the Lerins Abbey of Saint Honorat Island.) The pale brown, nearly yellow color caught my eye. Quick internet search provided zero references as to what it could be…not even a hint. So, the bottle in my hand was a drink made by monks and unknown even to the internet? I of course had to try it.
What Does Sénancole Taste Like?
Here’s what myself and two friends have to say, recorded on the spot:
Me: “Like a sweet whiskey. But herbal. If whiskey could be sweet, herbal, and finishes with a bite.”
Friend 1: “Really would clear the pallet after a heavy meal. An after dinner digestive for sure.”
Friend 2: “Sudafed. Tastes like cough medicine.”
Friend 2 would like it to be known that they really enjoy the taste, despite the memories of childhood medicine. Collectively we all agreed that Sénancole is delicious and unlike anything we’ve ever tasted.
More than flavor, be warned of the 40% alcohol content. I don’t care how many plants went into this and how many monks sang hymns over it: this stuff clears the sinuses and puts hair on your chest. The Brothers weren’t messing around with this one.
Can I Try Some?
Unfortunately this 50cl bottle is not coming back to the States with me, and the airplane minis I have are reserved for people I know would appreciate it. But you, dear reader, can order some straight from the website of the Abbeye de Lérins. They also offer organic olive oil and – of course – lots of wine. And as I see it, would a monastery in the south of France really be doing God’s work if they didn’t make wine? Debate me on that later; I’m only in France for so much longer and I want to spend that time enjoying monk-made liqueur with my friends. Cheers, brothers.