Disappointing vanillas. I like the Massey whatever but it is above my pay grade now. Others I have been trying lately are not thrilling.
- Thread starter Marg CDN
- Start date
barbara-in-va
Well-known member
Not sure about Watkins. But I just finished a 16 oz bottle of Penzys that I bought 3 Christmas's ago. I liked it very much. That bottle is now $113!!! Holy Cow!!! (But I just noticed that they are having a 25% off sale). King Arthur has a pop up shop in my area and they are doing a 20% of sale. A 16 oz bottle is $85 but at 20% off + using my member $ helped. And it will last 3 more years at the current rate of baking. It sure is an investment!!
I did read a review on vanilla and Penzys and King Arthur were #2 & #3 so I felt good buying either one.
I did read a review on vanilla and Penzys and King Arthur were #2 & #3 so I felt good buying either one.
After reading an article (in Cooks Illustrated I think) about artificial vanilla I know use Bakers Imitation Vanilla when I need it as a background note (ex: in brownies). When I need a strong vanilla presence I use pure vanilla paste.
Now I'm depressed.
I've been buying tiny bottles and was refusing to do any calculations to consider the cost of a reasonable size. Even if I bought the #2 or 3, I would pay a 20% duty. I use imitation in cookies like you Deb, but anything delicate like a custard needs the real thing (and I like lots). I have a small bottle from Mexico supposedly without the cumarin; I like the flavour but it just isn't like the genuine.
Oh well. Thanks for the help. I think I'll go back to bed.
I've been buying tiny bottles and was refusing to do any calculations to consider the cost of a reasonable size. Even if I bought the #2 or 3, I would pay a 20% duty. I use imitation in cookies like you Deb, but anything delicate like a custard needs the real thing (and I like lots). I have a small bottle from Mexico supposedly without the cumarin; I like the flavour but it just isn't like the genuine.
Oh well. Thanks for the help. I think I'll go back to bed.
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michael-in-phoenix
Well-known member
Same here.
I get a brand of imitation/real vanilla blend by the name of Molina here in Phoenix. It used to only be in latino markets, but now I'm seeing it in the top three supermarkets. It is very inexpensive, and it does a fine job wherever I use it. It's been years since I spent big buckos on vanilla. It tastes just like regular vanilla, and doesn't have coumarin or any other "off" tastes. Works for me.
mariadnoca
Moderator
Well then, this $40 price for 16oz of Massey at Costco might be a good deal. I found their Kirkland brand to be awful.
Marg, I addressed your issue in barbara's post on Indri's vanilla beans FB.
recipeswap.org
Indri's Vanilla Bean Group
The other day I was standing in a long line in Penzys, it was their 50% off the entire store day and the computers could not keep up with the volume. I was chatting with the lady in front of me and she told me about this FB group to order vanilla beans and that the prices are amazing. (Vanilla...
recipeswap.org
Thank you for doing so. I think I may have just nabbed someone going to Costco in the US and am hoping for some help that way. It's crazy. Another product I buy from Costco, I can get only in the US, BUT....it's made in Canada. Such are the problems of my life now.Marg, I addressed your issue in barbara's post on Indri's vanilla beans FB.
Indri's Vanilla Bean Group
The other day I was standing in a long line in Penzys, it was their 50% off the entire store day and the computers could not keep up with the volume. I was chatting with the lady in front of me and she told me about this FB group to order vanilla beans and that the prices are amazing. (Vanilla...
Back in the day I, too, had a mom who baked using Watkins vanilla! Mom actually bought their 1-gallone jugs of double strength vanilla. A couple months ago, my husband and I were shopping when I noticed a bottle of Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract for sale which I purchased. I haven't used any of it yet, but checked out some on-line reviews, and it had an average of 4.7 out of 81 reviews (with the top score of 5 stars). I didn't think that sounded too bad at all as the price wasn't sky-high. One of the 1-star reviews, however, had this to say from an individual called GMAH--
I have used the double strength vanilla for over 30 years and have always had people rave about my desserts. However, my last purchase of Watkins vanilla was very disappointing. It did not have the outstanding aroma or flavour of your previous product. Why would you change such a great product?
Vanilla
I have used the double strength vanilla for over 30 years and have always had people rave about my desserts. However, my last purchase of Watkins vanilla was very disappointing. It did not have the outstanding aroma or flavour of your previous product. Why would you change such a great product?
lana-in-fl
Well-known member
Barbara-in-va introduced me to the Indri vanilla group, and I started making my own vanilla extract. It is still maturing, but I also made some vanilla paste, which can be used early and is AMAZING! I just want to lap it up. I was concerned about the amount of sugar in it, but it's minimal in an entire recipe and the vanilla flavour is so strong. You do need a powerful blender to make it smooth, though - I have a Brandless. Indri's beans are very flavourful (the vanilla sugar I make is also wonderful), and there are some good sales. When I have a bit of spare cash, I hope to buy some of their cacao nibs and make chocolate vanilla paste.
Marg, That is funny! The product surely has to be back in inventory by now so your situation has changed to a customer service issue. One thing I didn't think about when I purchased my recent bottle of Watkins vanilla is whether their switch to using plastic bottles (instead of the former glass ones) might have any effect on its long-term flavor. I realize this has undoubtedly been done as a cost saving strategy, but I truly do not want a compromised taste due to plastic. I'll let you know what I think once I begin using my Watkins product.
PS from Wigs: I think I've run across the comparison article barbara-in-va mentioned above. Watkins does NOT place well there. It ranked #12 out of the 15 different types of vanilla tested. Here is the web site if you'd care to review the various brands.
That is a good possibiity as I could not imagine they would still be in business after 8 months claiming 'out of stock'. I just checked again, and still out of stock. I'm thinking about sitting by my mother when she was baking, sniffing the HUGE bottle of Watkins vanilla that was close to 1 foot tall. (maybe that's why there's a shortage now)
music-city-missy
Well-known member
WOW - haven't purchased any lately nor paid attention to the price but did notice Costco is selling the Nielsen-Massey brand. I am pretty well stocked up with both NM and some that friends brought back to us from Mexico. Guess I might have to start being a little more careful and actually measure it now. LOL