Vanilla Extract Barrel — Oak Barrel for Homemade Vanilla Extract

Make vanilla extract the way it was meant to taste. This 1 liter American oak barrel ages your extract as it extracts, adding a depth store-bought bottles never reach. Experiment with crafting your own barrel-aged pure vanilla extract, and you’ll likely never turn to store-bought options again. Whether enhancing sweet or savory dishes, simple or elaborate, vanilla’s delightful aromatic essence delicately elevates each flavor it touches.

THE RECIPE …
• 1 L Oak Vanilla Barrel
• 1 Qt 80 Proof Vodka, Bourbon or Rum … or wherever your imagination takes you …
• Vanilla Beans
for 1X Strength – 24 Vanilla Beans (96 gms / 3.2 oz)
for 2X Strength – 48 Vanilla Beans (192 gms / 6.8 oz) – (when cooking, use only ½ the amount of vanilla that the recipe calls for)
• 1 tsp Corn Syrup (optional)

Before you start — cure the barrel: fill it completely with hot water and let the wood swell for 24–48 hours, checking for leaks (small drips early on are normal and stop as the staves expand). Drain, rinse, and fill with your extract mixture right away — never leave a cured barrel sitting empty.

INSTRUCTIONS…
• Put finely chopped beans into prepared/swelled barrel.
• Pour Vodka (or base liquor of your choice – bourbon, rum etc.) into the barrel and stir – you may add optional corn syrup, if desired.
• Fit bung snugly into the barrel for an airtight closure.
• Store in a cool place for one month to allow the extraction to take place.
• Placing your hand over the bung to hold it in place, gently shake or swirl barrel once a week.
• When vanilla has aged to your personal taste, remove and decant. You may keep the vanilla in your barrel – just remember it will give some vanilla to the “angels share” … monthly, add and top off with liquor to compensate.
• You will be able to start using your extract in approximately 4–6 weeks.
• Your vanilla will last for years.

Barrel arrives complete with spigot, low profile stand, and 2″ bung.

Helpful guide

New to barrel prep? Read our step-by-step guide: How to Cure an Oak Barrel Before First Use.