Bourbon vanilla beans questions

[Marthe48]

Hi DUers,

My grandson got me a pack of Vanilla Bros. bourbon vanilla beans. I was thinking I could use them to make more vanilla extract, but after looking at the package, not sure if I can or should use them to make vanilla. There are 55 beans in the pack, and the only instructions are to wrap them in the waxed paper provided and use the package they came in to store.

I know of recipes where you chop the pod or beans or scrape the inside of the pod and add to recipes.

If anyone can give me some ideas, I will appreciate it. I was going to look on the company site, but it was loading slowly, so I thought i'd ask here.

Thanks!

[NewHendoLib]

1. I am making vanilla extract now - used 20 of the beans

Just like you received - used a sharp knife to split them in half, then put into a bottle of vodka ( I used middle quality, like Skyy). Shake, put in a dark closet for 4-6 weeks, shake a few times each week.

[Marthe48]

2. Okay, thank you

I've been making vanilla extract for many years, really liked the way it makes recipes taste so fresh, but wasn't sure if I could do that with these beans. I am encouraged to get another batch started.

I use rum to make extract, but I heard you can use vodka, too.

Happy New Year!

[chowmama]

3. I make it with brandy

and use about 4 split beans to a pint. That's enough to last me quite a while.

[Marthe48]

4. Thanks for the ratio

I usually get a container with a few pods, put them in a small glass bottle with a lid, and use 8-10 oz. of alcohol to cover them. This pack has 55 pods! I'm rich!

I used to start using the extract about 2 months after I set it up. A few people in the Facebook group are willing to let their batches sit for a year. The batch I'm using now is about 2 years old and it's just right. But I'm excited to start a new batch with fresh pods. I have a bottle of rum I bought last spring, haven't opened it. Maybe I'll use the whole thing for vanilla extract

Happy New Year!

[Old Crank]

5. I use 6 pods in less than a pint

Probably about 12 Oz. I use brandy. I like to store for longer than 2 or 3 months and I leave the pods in as I use it.