02/09/2026
Let’s talk about time.
If you spend any time on TikTok, you might believe it only takes six months, or less, to make a quality vanilla extract.
That’s the internet version.
This is the real version.
True vanilla extract is a practice in patience.
Vanilla beans paired with alcohol need time to fully develop their depth and complexity.
Vodka: minimum 12 months
Clear rum: minimum 18 months
Bourbon and whiskey: minimum 24 months
Those will be coming later this summer 👀
For our vodka pairings, we made the intentional choice to age no less than 18 months because “good enough” isn’t how we do things.
This is not commercial vanilla flavoring.
This is not imitation vanilla.
This is vanilla as it was meant to be.
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The Craft Behind the Bottle
In traditional extract making, a single fold requires approximately 1 oz of vanilla beans per 8 oz of alcohol.
A double fold doubles that to 2 oz of beans per 8 oz of alcohol, resulting in a richer, more concentrated extract.
Every vanilla bean carries its own personality, shaped by the soil, climate, and environment in which it grew. There are over 300 naturally occurring flavor compounds in vanilla, which is why origin, alcohol choice, and aging time dramatically influence the final profile.
This is where the magic happens.
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How This Journey Began
Just under two years ago, Jenna’s mom sent her a small batch of Madagascar vanilla beans, and down the rabbit hole we went.
Vanilla extract fit seamlessly alongside our tinctures. It was during this exploration that our Cinnamon and Peppermint extracts were born because, at their core, they are tinctures.
What started as curiosity quickly turned into research. A lot of it.
Beans sourced from across the globe.
Flavor profiles ranging from floral and fruity to smoky and bold.
Prices spanning from $8 to $10 per ounce to hundreds.
Alcohol options are nearly endless, provided they fall between 80 and 100 proof.
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Staying True to Our Roots
At Connell’s Freedom Farms, our mission has always centered around thoughtful, intentional, and healthier choices.
For our first releases, we selected three alcohol pairings.
⭐️ Organic Prairie Vodka, the same clean, organic vodka used in our tinctures.
🍍 Pau Maui Vodka, distilled from pineapples with a subtly bright profile.
🌊 Ocean Vodka, enriched with ocean minerals and chosen as a nod to Jenna’s hometown.
The latter two are also favorites among serious vanilla enthusiasts.
For beans, we began with the classics, Madagascar and Tahitian, and expanded into additional origins with distinctive and intriguing profiles.
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The First Release
This upcoming release represents the first public offering of these thoughtfully aged batches, crafted to showcase how each vanilla origin and alcohol pairing expresses itself over time.
When tasting, whipped cream or marshmallows offer a simple way to explore the profile.
These extracts are designed to shine in baked goods, coffees, custards, creams, and any dish where vanilla deserves the spotlight.
We will be releasing a full list of available pairings and quantities soon. Once labels are finalized, we will follow with individual highlights detailing flavor notes, pairings, and recommended uses for each release.
This is small batch.
This is slow aged.
This is vanilla for people who care.
✨ Stay tuned ✨
