[rbowers]

I have a winter ale recipe calling for vanilla bean extract (I actually have beans on hand and thought I would give them a try).  Does anyone have any recs on how much to use and should they be added to the boil or the secondary fermenter.  I do not want too much of an overpowering vanilla flavor.  Thanks

[denny]

Definitely the secondary.  How much to use depends on how good the beans are.  I just used 1 bean in a 5 gal. batch of BVIP, but it was the best, freshest vanilla I've ever found.  The vanilla will fade, so if you think the beer will be around for a while, go a bit heavy on it at first.

[rbowers]

Thanks. The vanilla beans are indian vanilla beans (what my local grocery had on hand) and smell great.  Not sure what the final flavor will be but I guess we'll see

[gordonstrong]

You can always use beans and then fine-tune with extract if it needs a bit more, but please use the real stuff.  I use Penzey's, but anything real will work.

[denny]

You can always use beans and then fine-tune with extract if it needs a bit more, but please use the real stuff.  I use Penzey's, but anything real will work.

Gordon, next time you need to order some, try http://www.hawaiianvanilla.com/ .  My sister started working there recently and sent me some.  Best vanilla beans I've ever used.

[gordonstrong]

I'll keep that in mind.  Thanks for the tip.

[EHall]

I've used www.beanilla.com and have been very happy with them...

[denny]

I've used www.beanilla.com and have been very happy with them...

After I found they were featuring my recipe (http://www.beanilla.com/bourbon-vanilla-imperial-porter-a-6.html), I tried them.  They were good, but not as good as the Hawaiian.

[EHall]

what was the difference? just 'fresher'? are the varieties they sell grown exclusively in Hawaii or imported?

[denny]

what was the difference? just 'fresher'? are the varieties they sell grown exclusively in Hawaii or imported?

It's grown in HI.  It's the only Us vanilla farm.  Check out the website for more info.  I found the freshness to be incredible...the beans were almost "juicy".

[EHall]

very expensive! but his process sounds somewhat unique... I thinking 'terrior' (spelling correct?)

[beveragebob]

Looks more expensive but, if they are that fresh, I'd venture to say you could probably use less per batch and have the same effect with allot more "stale" vanilla beans from elsewhere.

[denny]

I usually use at least 2 of the other beans I've gotten.  I used 1 1/2 of these and it's almost too much.

[richardt]

Rainforest spices has awesome vanilla beans and extract.  discovered it when I was in Costa Rica last year.
I'll have to try the Hawaiian Vanilla Beans soon.