AWhich brand of Vanilla extract do you find gives the best flavor

idk -- but there was a really cool study done on cooks.com i think it was -- someone will refresh my recollection on that, please -- but their taste testers could not discern the imitation vanilla from the real v in cookies -- still blows my mind -- but i believe they could discern the difference in icings etc. that were not cooked -- i mean where the vanilla was not heated --

so all that to say i typically use the real vanilla i get from sam's club -- kirkland brand or mccormack whatever i can find where the ingredients are vanilla and alcohol and that's all -- i use more than the recipe calls for to good results for me -- and i bake with the same stuff  --

AThanks

AThis stuff is so, so, good. I am on my 4th quart.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJHUVFG/?tag=cakecentral-20+massey+vanilla+bean+paste

Thanks to a bunch of users on here and some experimenting, I'm on the "homemade tastes the best" bandwagon!  If you buy your beans in bulk online (vanilla products usa is awesome), you can make some extract that's ready to use in about 6 months.  It's seriously so good I put it in everything I can think of.

That doesn't help you for needing good extract right now though.  So I'll agree with the costco suggestion someone already made.  The Kirkland stuff kept me happy while I waited for my homemade extract to be ready to use :)

I love madagascar vanilla. I buy it at Krogers, Wal Mart, HEB, etc. I swear I can tell a difference in the taste.

fwiw nielson massey also makes a powdered vanilla i am loving to sprinkle on some of my baked goods especially cupcakey type muffins right after they come out of the oven --

i also found this never tried it but the main ingredient is dextrose so but 1.5 pounds for $21 wow 

http://cooksvanilla.com/product/3/Pure-Vanilla-Powder-1.5-lb.-Jar.html

on the other hand the nielson massey is 2.5 ounces for $17.00

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/vanilla-powder-25-oz

vanilla is high on my list entitled "if a little is good a lot is bettter"  

i buy mine at Costco. The price is right and the product is far superior to grocery story brands that I've used. It tastes and smells like vanilla and not alcohol and many of their products are responsibly sourced, which I also like,

AI am a Mexican Vanilla lover. I use it only in my cakes and I use Wilton Clear Vanila in my icings. I am only a home hobby baker though and don't need massive quantities, although I do buy the Mexican vanilla in gallons.