Grey Goose La Vanille Premium Flavoured Vodka, 70cl

Product Information

We listed Smirnoff Vodkas as plural (vodkas) as opposed to the singular. Why? Because Smirnoff is the flavor leader of all vodkas. They have multiple vodka flavors, all of which can be used for vanilla bean extraction. The grade of these vodkas is D+ not because of taste. (The taste of a regular Smirnoff vodka vanilla extract is definitely an A) It's a D+ because there are specific flavor applications available through Smirnoff that might temp a first-time extract maker.

But if you enjoy the spirit more when mixed, a range of the best vodka-based drinks can be created with any brand on our list. Grey Goose is a top shelf vodka, and it proved to create a top-shelf vanilla extract. After a year, the vanilla bean taste became much more pronounced making it one of the most fully rounded vanilla extracts that we have ever made. If you're going for a bold vanilla taste and an aged vanilla extract that you allow to rest for more than a year, this is the vodka you should use. Made in France with a winter wheat blend that is truly unique. In short, if you are new to extract making, then your first job is to create an extract tasting experience up to a year after you begin. The more you taste at once, the more you will be able to determine what you like and for what application.We hear that vodka is vodka and, since it is largely tasteless, who cares what vodka you use? Well, that is mostly correct. We have tasted many different extracts with many different types of vodka and they truly are quite similar. This makes vodka the perfect kind of spirit to begin with because it's hard to mess up your extract based on the kind of vodka you use. However, we did notice a clear difference in vodkas that have been distilled 5 times and those that have not. We also noticed a difference over time in the top-shelf vodkas vs. the bottom shelf. Ingredients listings for alcoholic products are not mandatory, so additional care is necessary. So to be safe, tipplers with gluten sensitivity should choose specialty vodkas made from potatoes, corn, or grapes (like Cirac, Tito’s, and Crystal Head) and avoid single distilled spirits. Or they can opt for gluten-free vodka brands with an extensive distillation process, like Grey Goose or Burnett’s. The top five best brands of vodka Belvedere Neutral spirit: A term for a spirit that’s without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color. While most vodkas might be regarded as neutral, they still aren’t technically neutral spirits.

Here's why you may want to consider cognac instead of brandy for vanilla extract: If you are conducting experiments on the impact of vanilla beans in different spirits, then you want to hold the spirit constant. A Hennessy cognac from grapes only grown in the Cognac region of France and approved by Hennessy's rigorous tasting standards will provide you a consistent, standard spirit base. Try one with Tahiti beans and one with Mexican beans and you will clearly note the difference in the final extract based solely on the beans. A legendary spirit from a legendary distillery. This bourbon was recommended to us by one of our Facebook Group members, and it did not disappoint. This bourbon proved to blend well with Indonesian vanilla beans, especially Sumatra Indonesian beans. It is incredibly rich with a delicate blend of honey and caramel, and can you think of two flavors more complimentary in your homemade vanilla extract than honey and caramel? It has regular bourbon characteristics, just as a smokey undertone and a subtle bite, but it's a great bourbon base for first-time extract makers that are looking for something bold, but not overpowering.

Tasting Notes

Grey Goose's lineup of flavored expressions is crafted with their winter wheat vodka serving as the base. Grey Goose La Vanille was one of the first flavored vodkas to be released by the company. Now it has returned after 15 years of absence due to popular demand. It's a complex and refined vodka that is infused with natural vanilla essence from Madagascar vanilla beans. Creamy with caramel, vanilla, white chocolate, and floral notes, the expression is bottled at 80 proof.

Vodka has kept its title as one of the most popular spirits in the world for many years, which means there are hundreds of different brands to choose from. However, while there are more brands to sample than we could ever reasonably sip, there is a handful that is known for being consistently excellent. Like cooking and baking new treats for the first time, vanilla extract making should also be fun! We couldn't help ourselves when we made our first ever vanilla extract using coconut rum. While we don’t recommend using spirits that contain artificial flavors, this extract was a fun blend. Something about the coconut and the vanilla that made the experiment and the outcome surprisingly delightful. So why the B- grade? Because, outside of using it for coconut cream pies or pineapple up-side-down cakes, its applications are very limited. If you really love coconut and you really love vanilla, then you may want to give this a try. We reviewed brandy and cognac for extract making in one of our live extract making parties. Here is the clip: Skyy vodka is one of the first vodkas made entirely with U.S-sourced grains and water. It’s a neutral-tasting bottle produced via four-column distillation with hints of flavor and little to no bitterness. See our lineup of videos below where we test bourbons, rums, vodkas, tequilas, brandies, cognacs and more!

Its expertise comes with thanks to its master distiller, who combines Gensac spring water with French winter wheat. The result is a hint of burnt charcoal mixed with a dash of sweetness and a touch of spice. Svedka’s accessible price makes it an excellent brand of vodka to keep in the liquor cabinet at all times. Produced from winter wheat and distilled four times, it’s a column-distilled vodka with a peppery bite after an initial sweet note. Blend the vanilla vodka with Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur) and milk (or single cream, if you can handle the lactic overdose. Personally, I can’t) and pour over ice. Works so much better than it should.