Golddiggie
Well-Known Member
Started my second batch of vanilla extract yesterday. Both the first, and new, batches are with Premium Bourbon-Madagascar vanilla beans (not expensive when you buy them right). I used about 2oz of beans in a pint mason jar, which I then filled with Skyy vodka. I left that one in the mason jar for about 8 months before pouring through a couple of layers of cheese cloth, held in a metal strainer over a quart measuring cup. Bottled it up and have given some away already. Getting really great comments about aroma and flavors being above and beyond what you normally buy (no surprise there ).
For the new batch, I decided to try and use most of the beans I had left. So, I went with 4oz of beans, split, scraped, and then cut into segments (cut the bean into thirds, basically). I realize (now) that the beans had probably dried out some since they arrived, since the weight doesn't add up to what I bought (1/2#, but only have maybe an ounce left). I put the beans into a 24oz mason jar this time, and (again) filled it with Skyy vodka. I plan on letting this batch go about 5-6 months before bottling it up.
According to the information I found online (when making my first batch), you shake the jar a few times a day for the first few weeks, or month (not sure if you're supposed to do it longer, will need to check). Then you let it sit and get better and better.
IMO, if you're planning on using vanilla extract in your beers, mead, etc. make your own. It's worth the time it takes, and costs rather little compared with what you buy. Plus, you know EXACTLY what's inside the extract. No surprises involved. :rockin:
For the new batch, I decided to try and use most of the beans I had left. So, I went with 4oz of beans, split, scraped, and then cut into segments (cut the bean into thirds, basically). I realize (now) that the beans had probably dried out some since they arrived, since the weight doesn't add up to what I bought (1/2#, but only have maybe an ounce left). I put the beans into a 24oz mason jar this time, and (again) filled it with Skyy vodka. I plan on letting this batch go about 5-6 months before bottling it up.
According to the information I found online (when making my first batch), you shake the jar a few times a day for the first few weeks, or month (not sure if you're supposed to do it longer, will need to check). Then you let it sit and get better and better.
IMO, if you're planning on using vanilla extract in your beers, mead, etc. make your own. It's worth the time it takes, and costs rather little compared with what you buy. Plus, you know EXACTLY what's inside the extract. No surprises involved. :rockin:
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