Frodine

Great! Thanks for your help. One other question - when you start it with Everclear, do you usually just add vodka or do you add some water later on as well to lower the proof? Like 1 part Everclear + 2 parts Vodka + 1 part water = 80 proof? Does the higher proof impact the flavor of the end product? Thanks!

Hi! I have been lurking for a few months now, and decided to jump in and make homemade vanilla extract for Christmas gifts (after reading this thread, I know it won't have enough time to fully mature, but I figured I would leave a couple of beans in the individual bottles with a note that says it will take a few months to reach its peak). I started it a week ago using andiesenji's method and just barely covered the split, chopped beans with 190-proof Everclear. A week later, it's now a nice transparent amber color. This morning I tried topping one jar up with 80-proof Smirnoff, but when I poured in a little of the Smirnoff, the solution turned very milky and cloudy. Any idea what's going on? Should I just continue adding more vodka? Here's a picture. The one on the left is Everclear-only, and the one on the right had a couple splashes of vodka added. Thanks in advance for any advice!