Bénédictine D.O.M. (commonly, “Benedictine”), is a French herbal liqueur, developed by wine merchant, Alexandre Le Grand, in 1863.  The liqueur is flavored with 27 different flowers, berries, roots, herbs and spices.  The secret recipe, based on local medicinal plants and oriental spices, is said to date back to 1510 and was passed to the Le Grand family by the last surviving monk of the Benedictine Abbey of Fécamp.  To preserve their legacy, Le Grand obtained permission from the Superior of the Benedictine Order to use the name and coat of arms of the Benedictine Abbey.  One contrary legend conveys that the name was originally designed as a marketing ploy, intended to imply the monks of a nearby Benedictine monastery had developed the recipe and had been producing it for centuries until the French Revolution.  To further the claim, the initials “D.O.M.” (Deo Optimo Maximo, meaning “God, infinitely good, infinitely great”), were added to the label, since these letters were included by Benedictine monks in their documents to dedicate their work.  While the facts have tended to sink into the sands of time, it does make for an interesting conversation starter from history while enjoying the liqueur.  (It certainly doesn’t take anything away from the amazing flavor…)

The liqueur is currently produced at Le Palais Bénédictine, in Fécamp, outside Normandy, France.