20 Best Bourbon For Making Vanilla Extract (2022 Updated)

True Mexican vanilla has a balance of bold and somewhat sweet vanilla taste without the bitterness and alcoholic after-effect on the palate. Nielsen-Massey’s Mexican vanilla delivers the perfect balance.

I especially use this vanilla in deep chocolate baked goods such as dark chocolate brownies, rich chocolate cakes, and special cheesecakes. Mexican vanilla is supposed to make a strong statement in your dessert; the statement is the reason I love it.

Nielsen-Massey’s Mexican vanilla makes a close to bold statement. It is my second favorite Mexican vanilla. I purchase this brand at least five times a year. At times I’ll use it in my Chocolate Chunk Cookie recipe, yet I’ll first use a heating method to rid of the remaining alcohol content; the cookies are in the oven less than 15 minutes.

If you are purchasing an American Mexican vanilla product, you MUST purchase Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Mexican vanilla.

I really like the Nielsen-Massey vanilla. It is traditional, fragrant and tasty. I considerate it to be a consistently high quality vanilla, and I add exactly the amount called for in a recipe; no need to add extra.

I like the glass bottle it comes in and I feel that the price at Zulily is fair and reasonable. Finally, it comes very well wrapped & packed. I have recommended this vanilla from Zulily to friends several times, purchase for myself & gifts for others.

This is real Vanilla Bean Bourbon flavor from Madagascar. It is expensive but once you have tried it you will never go back to the lesser vanilla flavorings. I started using this brand by error over 20 yrs ago and the smell and flavor it gives to baked items is unbelievable.

People will praise your baked goods, and ask for the recipes. You will never go back to a lesser vanilla extract. Buy an 8 oz. bottle around $32. but keep it in the refrigerator and it will last for years and still have the wonderful smooth and mellow vanilla taste.

If you are like me and it takes time and effort to make those wonderful baked items then you go the extra mile for that over the top taste. It is really worth it.

I use flavorings in a variety of foods to add flavor without sugar. I’d been using McCormick flavorings and thought the emulsion would work so much better, so I ordered. The first thing I made was pancakes.

Technically the emulsion worked well in the recipe (1 star), but the flavor tasted like a mouthful of chemicals. At first, I thought maybe it was me, so I used it in whipped maple sweet potatoes (one of my family’s all-time favorites) and served it at a family dinner, without mentioning the change to them.

Everyone noticed something was “off” in the dish. Some noticed a chemical taste, while others thought the cream had turned or the sweet potatoes I used were bad, but all 8 people were disappointed in the flavor and didn’t eat more than a bite or two.

Since the cost of pure Madagascar vanilla extract has increased, I switched to this product only for cakes and pastries that use vanilla to enhance other flavors. This has worked well for me and it’s much more economical.

I stick to the pure extract when vanilla is the main flavor. My only suggestion is the label on the bottle should fit the label on the website: “Madagascar Bourbon Natural Vanilla Flavor, 2 Fold” – but the label says “Extract” – which can be confusing.

However, it helped that I was able to look back on previous purchases.

I was curious about what this would taste like, so I decided to pick some up with the other extracts I was ordering. It’s an interesting flavor and I think it’s great that such an unusual flavor can be offered at this price point.

The only problem is it makes my tongue tingle and gives me the vague sinus discomfort I get from seasonal allergies. I don’t know if that response would be typical for others who suffer seasonal allergies or if it’s just me.

I decided not to take off any stars from my review, though, because it’s not the seller’s fault and I probably should have thought a bit harder before buying a flower flavoring when I have allergies.

I just wanted to put this out there for other allergy-sufferers that you should probably get a small bottle if you want to try it and maybe have some idea of who you can pass it to if it doesn’t work for you.

The WoRsT Vanilla Extract I’ve EVER come across. wait, no! Imitation vanilla extract was the worst and that is exactly what this tastes like! Comes in a plastic bottle which seemed to be self-imploding/indented! Flat and lacking that beautiful strong robust vanilla extract flavor we all love and require in our baking and cooking.

I use vanilla extract in my morning “super drink” to provide nice flavor along with caca, coffee and an abundance of medicinal mushroom, etc. , but this absolutely falls flat. very disappointing. “Olive Nation” should probably stick to.

well, olives! This was on special so I thought I’d capitalize on it, but it was a complete fail. I guess I’ll be returning this and going back to my old stand byes, McCormicks or Nielsen-Massey. Sorry, but I absolutely cannot recommend this brand of vanilla extract.

seriously lacks good solid flavor. tastes very watered down/flat!.

I mainly use vanilla in baking, I bake to take cookies to work for large groups of hiking trail maintenance volunteers. I doubt that people would notice the difference between the Single Fold and one of the more expensive varieties in my cakes and cookies.

My wife thinks it is good, but I’m not a foodie and probably couldn’t tell the difference between this and McCormick’s. It is more economical than most store and on-line offerings and I like the fact it comes in a glass bottle vs.

plastic. My last 8 oz bottle only lasted 9 months so I bought a 16 oz bottle the second time around. The only complaints I have are an over abundance of bubble wrap in packaging and that it is pretty easy to crack the cap.

That said, my single bottle order came well protected. I had to laugh at all the shipping options. I’m good at planning ahead and not over paying for shipping. Free is GOOD!.

I am an avid baker and go through bottles of vanilla very quickly. This was an exciting find because not only is it more affordable than most brands but it’s also very high quality. I received my order in less than a week and I am super happy with my purchase! Highly recommend!.

I have long enjoyed Nielsen-Massey vanilla. I tried Slofoodgroup 3 bean vanilla and was found that it had an amazing flavor. Actually like this better NM vanilla. Most subtle flavor notes with complex flavor bouquet.

Would highly recommend this for anyone who is a vanilla connoisseur.

I haven’t tried my vanilla yet. I had just purchased vanilla from someone local. I know, from all the great reviews, I will love it. The website is so easy to navigate and I like the thorough explanation of the products.

The vanilla arrived so fast that I was surprised. I will be purchasing more items from this wonderful site.

I purchased this vanilla 4 months ago. This morning I went to use it and the inside of the cap is black and there is black residue in the vanilla. I gave it a tiny taste and it is bitter and disgusting.

The bottle was stored properly and I have never had this happen with a new bottle of vanilla. I paid almost $20 for this small bottle because I thought I was purchasing a quality bottle of vanilla. I was not.

I will not be purchasing this brand again and it’s too late to get a refund.

I absolutely I thought every Vanilla Nielsen-Massey until I tried the THIER Mexican Vanilla. I grew up on various cheap brands of amazing Mexican Vanilla for full disclosure. In short I would recommend any well reviewed inexpensive brand of vanilla in its place, not only for better value, but more authentic Mexican Vanilla flavor.

This is just not worth the price point of premium Nielsen-Massey vanillas like Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. This Mexican Vanilla is very weak in flavor concentration compared to other Vanillas of the World, not uncommon for Mexican Vanillas, but this one is very weak in flavor and I didnt notice any of the lovely Mexican Vanilla flavor I am accustom to from Mexican Vanillas.

Even when mixed strong had a very weak, as in every definition of weak, flavor with no notable regional flavors. If the bottle didnt say Mexican Vanilla, I never would have guessed in widest dreams this was Mexican Vanilla.

It did seam to mix nicely with other regional Vanillas 50/50 with no noticeable weakness in flavor when mixed, but had more of a softening effect on the worlds regional sources vanillas. Bottom Line: Unless your willing to pay 200-300% more for Mexican Vanilla just so you can have a Nielsen Massey label, and are willing to then use 3 times as much inrecipes skip this one and buy a long time inexpensive Mexican brand of Mexican Vanilla.

If you the Label then go ahead, but you are wasting your money. Note: All the bottles of Vanilla in the photos cost about the same, and the bigger 3 are all superior to the little bottle for flavor.

I was so eager to receive this 4 oz. bottle of ‘two-fold’ Tahitian vanilla, but cannot even smell or taste vanilla, ONLY the ethyl alcohol. I used to purchase Zeron double intensity vanilla and it truly was a glorious perfume of vanilla but they no longer make it, so I turned to this ‘two-fold’ in the hope of discovering a new go-to product.

I paid double for shipping plus exchange rate … total over $76 for a very small bottle of ethyl alcohol hand sanitizer. Worse purchase ever! Buyer beware!.

I have long been a fan of double fold vanilla extract for the rich additional layer it adds to baked goods. As you may have experienced, really good vanilla of any kind has been more and more difficult to find so I was delighted to come across the Beanilla company.

The ordering process was easy and the product arrived carefully packaged and in perfect condition. I have used it for a couple of months now and I absolutely love it! I plan to send some to all my daughters who love baking as much as I do.

I am thrilled to have found my new vanilla “home”!.

I have come a long way! Gone are the years I reached for vanilla, and called it good, going on to the next item on my grocery list. It’s only been in the last year or so that I paid any attention to what the label said the bottle contained.

I looked up the words Vanilla planifolia and became interested in learning about the various forms I could buy it and about how different countries grow the orchid plant as well as what is actually put into the bottle with vanilla by the different companies.

When it’s added to a recipe I put in my mouth, therien lies the end result. I asked myself: What exactly am I eating? So I ended up with Madagasgar double fold vanilla because it’s. 1) in a dark bottle; light can’t get in to deteriorate the quality 2) more vanilla is in the product for better flavor; I had been adding an overflowing tablespoon instead of a teaspoon to get the strength of vanilla I wanted, now I ony had to be generous with my normal measurement, 3) I could depend on the company that grew the vanilla with safe food practices and moral work ethics and 4) it’s offered in an affordable container.

and 5) I had no idea there were nutrients in the plan and I wanted them as well as the flavor.

Living in Las Vegas and bartending and working in night life, I have just about sampled every type of spirit. I’m a bourbon and cigar kinda girl. Normally I dislike liquor that has any hybrid type flavoring.

However, this is my go to bottle for a smooth and calm kind of evening. [brand:jim-beam] is appropriate for any setting. Sometimes I drink it neat or with water. I drink this when I play live poker in Vegas, at a cigar shop, family reunion, bbq, and even as a light nightcap.

In my opinion the flavor resembles a spiked “Southern SweetTea”. Btw Ive never had a hangover. 5 stars. @Jimbeam [brand:jim-beam].

I’m a big bourbon fan, and I love this stuff. Is it a fantastic whiskey? Nope lol but it is very tasty when you want a flavored liquor. Bold vanilla taste and a smooth, even burn. Definitely sweet but not sickly so.

I like it on the rocks and mixed with Coke Zero. It’s a crowd pleaser and very easy to drink. I’ve drank this for years, and everyone I’ve served it too has enjoyed it too. It’s inexpensive and is a nice change.

Worth a shot!.

This used to be a really nice evening drink. Yesterday we bought a new 1. 75 bottle, and it is now 32. 5% vs 35% and it is now in plastic with a higher price. the taste us definitely different. It seems you have added pure sugar or something in place of the alcohol.

Sorry but this is our last buy. I was nice in giving 2 stars.

I love vanilla extract, and any time I use it, take a whiff or two. Jim Beam Vanilla is the taste that matches the smell of vanilla extract. While some flavored whiskeys have a very light flavor, the vanilla flavor is bold and pairs well with the bourbon base.

Overall, it is sweet, flavorful, and smooth; it goes great on the rocks and paired with a chocolate dessert. Let’s also call a spade a spade. No, this is not good bourbon, nor is it intended to be. I like a good bourbon on its own, but I also like sweet liqueurs, and this is the latter.

It’s great as long as you’re not expecting it to be something it’s not.

This is a good alternative to EW Bottled in Bond 100 proof which may have a little too much heat for some but I personally enjoy! A great Mixer that holds up well for flavor,a little more Oak coming through and less sweetness than the EW BIB.

There is a place on my shelf for a daily sipper or Mixer here with this juice!.

One of my first forays into the world of bourbon, I picked up the 1783 after reading numerous reviews that it was one of the best budget bourbons around. Sampled neat, as I initially sample all bourbons.

After the first taste, I was impressed. Here was what seemed to be a very drinkable budget bourbon. Unoffensive and quaffable indeed. As time passed, however, I began to realize how sickly sweet this bourbon tasted.

The lack of complexity here disappointed me, and the sweetness was off-putting. It’s not an artificial or saccharine sweet, to be sure, but it’s just too sweet for my palette. Not what I personally want in bourbon.

80-proof makes it too weak for use in most any mixed drink, and it simply failed to impress or entertain my palette when drank straight. Will not buy again.

This has got to be the best bourbon for the money. This is a simple, smooth bourbon. But the quality is very good and the finish lasts a long time. This is honest, simple, good whiskey at a good price.

The 1. 5L is the only whiskey I buy anymore. Anything else is a disappointment or a waste of money. This one is the best.

Great product. It adds a depth of chocolate to every recipe which cocoa on its own cannot. Just a few drops in a chocolate sponge or chocolate mousse improves the flavour tenfold. It’s not cheap but it’s worth the expense.

I add a tsp of this to my brownies and chocolate cakes. It adds a depth of flavour and a richness without any synthetic aftertaste – a pure chocaltiness that really elevates the bake.

Added some to homemade chocolate ice cream. It was great and got the thumbs up from everyone.

So the first time I tried EW BIB I was blown away by its richness, nose and palette panoply, and its warming, not burning, sensation. This is easy sipping but with a complexity that doesn’t exist in other bourbons at this affordable price point.

Yes, it’s just my opinion, but that’s what reviews are supposed to be! Moving on, I have some friends who have dabbled in light-weight bourbons, but when I introduced them to EWBIB they absolutely love it! Obviously the dangerous part is that its so smooth and easy drinking, you def need a driver or just plan to stay wherever you’re imbibing.

It’s a creeper, but a darn good one!.

Nose: new oak, citrus. Palate: floral, caramel, oak, and a pleasant undertow of cinnamon spiciness that builds and lingers. Mops the floor with many more expensive bourbons. (I’m looking at you, Bulleit, Buffalo Trace & Elijah Craig Small Batch!) Only minus for me (aside from the cheap screw-top) is that it doesn’t work as well in a cocktail as my go-tos Knob Creek 9yr Bourbon & Rittenhouse Rye.

I give it a “price-blind” 3. 5 stars, but once you factor in the price it’s easily 5-stars. I’m definitely keeping this in stock. I bought a 1. 75L before my first 750ml ran out. I’ve had several new whiskey drinkers widen their eyes and photograph the bottle after tasting it, yet it’s still interesting enough for this Ardbeg lover to sip neat (not that it’s anything like an Ardbeg, of course).

I just finished my first bottle and am pleasantly surprised that such a quality, yet inexpensive bourbon is on the market. It’s a slightly higher proof than I normally drink, but I couldn’t really tell much of a difference.

The taste is well-rounded, though not what I’d consider refined or smooth, and the finish is warm with a good aftertaste. I have no complaints and will buy this again. It’s perhaps the best bang-for-the-buck bourbon available today.

You won’t go wrong by taking a chance on this. At worst, it’s great for mixes. At best, it’s a daily drinker that won’t break the bank.