Making Vanilla Extract with Rum?

[SheilaAnn]

I had a guest come into the market today asking about rum for making vanilla. The one rum I carry would not have worked based on tasting notes (olives, etc). Any thoughts Richard Chrz barelfly theroc Attjack

[58limited]

I've always used vodka but a white rum should work.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

I've had vanilla rum in the Bahamas... not sure about actual vanilla as a flavoring though... that was many years ago

[SheilaAnn]

I agree with vodka. That’s what I use. A super clean, neutral spirit.

My guest mentioned she wanted that extra depth, which I thought was interesting.

[barelfly]

Interesting. That would be a fun experiment, to try various types of rum and see what you can get. A white rum, and then perhaps a few aged rums in various types of barrels. Does it add to the complexity of the flavor?

other than that, I can’t really provide any thought on it.

[theroc]

Sorry, but haven't tried that before.

[jfmorris]

Yeah I’m thinking a white rum for this. The darker rums have aged in barrels and will have other flavors that might overshadow the vanilla. Oak itself from a charred barrel contributes some vanilla notes in fact.

[SheilaAnn]

I appreciate the feedback. This lady and her husband are regulars, so I will share the advice. And see if she moved forward with thoughts of her own.

[UncleSpike]

I haven't tried rum before, but we've done a couple batches with bourbon - and that's really good.

[Richard Chrz]

Never even knew it was possible.

[jfmorris]

Oh yeah - you can soak vanilla beans in any kind of alcohol and create your own vanilla extract. Most folks use vodka though, as it is the most neutral spirit.

In brewing, I use a half pint of bourbon to soak and sanitize 2 ounces of toasted oak cubes when I want to make a simulated "barrel aged" beer. I let that sit during the 2 weeks of primary, and then toss the oak cubes into a mesh basket I hang in the keg, and usually dump the bourbon in with them. I'll pull the cubes after a few weeks.

[jfmorris]

Con't

I've also soaked vanilla beans and even cacao nibs in spirits for use in beer.

[WayneT]

What proof vodka would you use vs the proof of the rum?

[jfmorris]

I would look for 80 proof (40% ABV) at a minimum. Normal vanilla extract has 35% or more alcohol content.

[WayneT]

Thanks jfmorris. I've never made vanilla extract but when I make my limoncello, I use only 100 proof vodka. I tried it once with 80 proof and it didn't have the same oomph, if you get me. Do you think the extractive power of a higher abv spirit is higher? I know with limoncello you're extracting the oil from the peel but I'm not sure how that translates for vanilla.

[jfmorris]

WayneT I agree 100 proof would probably extract the vanilla (or lemon) even quicker. I was just pointing out that 80 proof would be the minimum. By law, real vanilla extract actually has to be at least 35% alcohol (70 proof).

[ssandy_561]

Now I need to make my own vanilla extract with Vodka, with Rum and with Bourbon.

Thanks everyone. 😆

I’ve been looking on Amazon for vanilla beans.

Any suggestions?

Also can someone point me in the right direction for directions.

[SheilaAnn]

ssandy_561 These were the ones I bought. I’ve used them for ice cream and crème anglaise. Very good!

Heart & Harvest Premium Madagascar Vanilla Beans Grade A, 5"- 6" Long Bean Sticks, Pack of 25 Whole Vanilla Pods Perfect to Make Pure Vanilla Powder & Extract for Baking, Ice Cream, Syrup & More https://a.co/d/7esDFuj

[lostclusters]

Beanilla is where I get mine from:

https://www.beanilla.com/

[mnavarre]

This stuff should work fine

https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/rum/silver-rum/largo-bay-silver-rum-plastic/p/219839750?s=1129&igrules=true

It's... Surprisingly good for a rum that's $10 for a fifth. The white's got some diesel notes from some fusel alcohols, but not a ton, and in an extract I don't think it'd matter at all.

[Bad Hat BBQ]

My wife uses Bottom Shelf Vodka....on this topic, I mimic Sgt Schultz ("I know nothing" ). Her vanilla is really good, esp. in Vanilla White Russians!!---which is NOT why she makes the stuff

[SheilaAnn]

Ain’t mad at Mrs. Bad Hat BBQ 🙌🏼

[Bad Hat BBQ]

SheilaAnn Mrs. Bad Hat (aka TJ...) loves this! And has reminded me that her vanilla is not available for my recreational purposes!

[SheilaAnn]

Bad Hat BBQ I actually use different vanillas for different types of baking. I may need an intervention 🤣