Pure Vanilla Extract is made using alcohol to seep the 200 plus flavor elements out of the vanilla beans. Not all vanilla extracts taste or smell the same. Differences can be in the use of the alcohol, the vanilla bean varieties or blends of vanilla beans that are used will all impart different flavor profiles to the finished extract. Therefore, one Pure Vanilla Extract is not like the next! Good vanilla extract, like fine wines, is better when aged.
Also, as an alcohol based product, you don't want to just simply stick your finger in the extract and have a taste! This will have a bitter, burning sensation. Unless of course your simply looking for a vanilla martini! There are several ways that you can taste vanilla extract and get a good idea of the flavor profile that the particular extract has.
Got Milk?
Add 1 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract to a 6 to 8 ounce glass of fresh, COLD milk. If the milk is not fresh and cold, the extract will leave a bitter taste. Completely stir the vanilla into the milk. Sip the milk slowly while moving it over the back of your mouth and tongue. This will help you to get the best sensation of the vanilla flavor.
Ice Cream
Using a scoop of slightly softened vanilla ice cream, (unflavored would be better but not easily obtainable unless your make it yourself) place 1 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract. Scoop up some of the ice cream along with the extract. After placing it in your mouth use your tongue to press it to the back of your mouth and allow to dissolve. The best taste receptors for vanilla are on the back of the tongue.
Any of these three methods will allow you to find the extract that you like the best. They will also help you to know whether you are dealing with Pure Vanilla Extract, or just an imitation.
Sugar or Sugar Cubes
Place several drops of Pure Vanilla Extract on a cube of sugar, or a teaspoon of sugar. Place in the sugar into your mouth and suck on it to allow it to melt. When this test is done with a pure vanilla extract versus an imitation vanilla, the difference is immediately noticeable.
