Totonac Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract, 4-Ounce Containers (Pack of 3)

This vanilla is great. I could notice a difference for sure! My pancakes taste so much better since switching! The only reason this isn't getting a better rating is because every time you pour out some vanilla, it drips down the side of the bottle. You lose quite a bit of vanilla this way.

I have been baking since.. well.. middle school at least :) And like most of you out there, I used whatever spices and extracts I could get at the grocery store. Of course, McCormick was there, as well as whatever store brand, artificial vanilla, etc. I've used Watsons. I've used them all.And then one day, I started working with recipes that required vanilla beans, and I found a fabulous source in-state that imported fresh beans. And after some amazing quality beans arrived, I also bought the vanilla extract they carried, which was Totonac. And just like pliable, freshly imported vanilla beans are to those dried up sticks you pay a fortune for in the grocery store, this stuff is worlds ahead of your average vanilla find at the store.The first one I tried was Mexican, which is considered, historically, as close to "real" vanilla as we can get. But, our modern pallates are actually suited towards Madagascar and Tahitian vanillas. While the Mexican extract worked, the Madagascar vanilla by Totonac gives more of that "home baked" smell and taste we're all used to. It doesn't taste like a vanilla flavored mouthwash like the stuff at the store. No, this is much more natural flavor.I will NEVER go back to store bought or artificial ever again. I use this brand in my baking, and I buy from Amazon, since it's the cheapest you'll find this product anywhere (especially considering free shipping with the subscription!). I go through one 3-pack once a year, sometimes twice a year if I'm selling a lot of baked goods or making tons of cookies and sweets for friends and family. If you just occasionally bake, this 3 pack will last you just about forever.A little off topic, yet related: For those looking at the winter/holiday baking season coming up, I'd also highly suggest looking into a good cinnamon. Just like natural vanilla vs artificial, a good cinnamon will make your baked goods phenomenal. I buy Frontier's Korintje cinnamon, which is the "cinnabon" cinnamon. I have yet to reorder.. the stuff is strong, and they sent me 2 lbs last time I ordered! LOL. And dirt cheap to boot! I got 2 lbs here on Amazon for what my local grocer would charge for just 2 bottles of the good stuff.Good baking to you!

This vanilla has an odd, slightly medicinal taste to it. It isn't unbearable, but I have had better tasting pure vanilla. The smell is even stronger than the taste. If you decide to purchase this product, I suggest using about 75% of the vanilla called for in the recipe.

I bought this after reading another review (See the one from H. Hughes above)... He said that it was alcohol free. Well that's simply not true and now I've wasted my money as I already have plenty of nice vanilla extract with alcohol. Thanks a lot buddy :(

I adore this vanilla extract. It produces, I think, the best vanilla flavor in cakes over other brands I've tried. However, I won't be purchasing this 3-pack product again until the price comes down. I purchased it at the beginning of April 2013 for approximately $17.00, and it now $79.00?! It a very good vanilla, but it ain't that good. I'll be switching back to Nielson-Massey. It's too bad, because while I think this is a better vanilla, it's just not worth nearly $80.00 for three 4-oz. bottles; and my customers wouldn't enjoy the price hike either. Yikes!!

Worked ok in recipes, but in subtle dishes it tasted too much of alcohol and too little of vanilla. I don't know how you would fix that in something like whipped cream when you use such a small amount already.

I have been purchasing this product for several years every two months from Amazon Subscribe and Save. Today I logged on and called Amazon as soon as I saw the price increase. I could not believe it. Never have I seen an increase like this. I cancelled my subscription and wrote to the company the produces it. I just received an email reply! They were quick. Yes there was an increase but Amazon has made an great error it was only supposed to be 5% . As soon as the price is adjusted I will re subscribe again!This by far is the best Vanilla out there. I have tried many, I have given away bottles to many friends and the same comment comes back, the taste, the quality is the best and stands out above the rest. I use it everyday in coffee, in warm milk recipes... the aroma, the flavor I have not and will not switch now! almost three years and many bottles later, it is a clear winner out of many!I noticed that they also carry two other types which once the price is adjusted will also be purchasing to round out my collection. I'm a Vanillaholic! :)

The good: Nice, full bodies vanilla. It is wonderful for baking. Dark bottle is great since it keeps the vanilla from being exposed to light.The bad: The opening is kind of small and I think this is what causes a drop or two to go down the side every time I use it. This means I am wasting vanilla, and that is why it loses a star for this.