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gregoryc
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I usually shop locally for mine... But, when I cannot get what I need, or the prices locally are just stupid, I hunt online. Amazon is a good way to search for a supplier, I've found... I ordered my first batch of vanilla beans through them. Actually came from a place not far away (in Charlestown, MA) called Olive Nation (http://www.olivenation.com/)... Thinking about ordering some more stuff from them while the 20% off coupon code is still good (came with the order)...
I highly recommend…
The Spice House. Their prices are less expensive than Penzey’s. They have an excellent selection of fresh spices, e.g., vanilla beans from three different counties and cinnamon from five countries. They also carry the somewhat hard-to-find muslin “teabags” , which are much finer than a “hops sack”. Plus, you can save a bunch on shipping as they offer US Postal Service Priority Mail as an option. (“If it fits it ships for one low price.”).
Check ‘em out!
The Spice House. Their prices are less expensive than Penzey’s. They have an excellent selection of fresh spices, e.g., vanilla beans from three different counties and cinnamon from five countries. They also carry the somewhat hard-to-find muslin “teabags” , which are much finer than a “hops sack”. Plus, you can save a bunch on shipping as they offer US Postal Service Priority Mail as an option. (“If it fits it ships for one low price.”).
Check ‘em out!
I find the closest Indian market store, they always have everything, good quality and the prices are liable to be down close to half what it would be elsewhere.
I love the Spice House. I haven't ordered anything from them online, but I've been to 3 of their stores.
What spices are you guys [generally] using??? I'm going to assume you add them post fermentation, yes?
For my JAO, standard spices in primary.
For my spiced cyser, I added spices up front with intent to add more in secondary. I've racked and it's clearing nicely so I think I'll just leave it alone.
My next one will be a big mel with no spices.
After that I want to do something with vanilla in secondary.
So...depends?
For my spiced cyser, I added spices up front with intent to add more in secondary. I've racked and it's clearing nicely so I think I'll just leave it alone.
My next one will be a big mel with no spices.
After that I want to do something with vanilla in secondary.
So...depends?
mountainroseherbs.com
By far the best source that I've found for extremely fresh, high quality herbs and spices (I'm a bit of an herb/spice snob). Having worked in the natural foods industry for awhile, this is the best single source for consistently good product that I have come across. Oh yeah, and they are big on organics, and even wildcrafted stuff (with info concerning the different flavors associated with a spice and the country of origin).
If you do buy bulk at your local health food store, it is most likely Frontier herbs/spices, which is definitely not bad. My overall advice if you do shop in bulk at a local store, SMELL YOUR SPICES. This will give you an idea if it is fresh. Some stores go through their spices more frequently, thus giving you a fresher product. Some spices sell quickly, others do not. If it doesn't smell strongly, don't buy it.
By far the best source that I've found for extremely fresh, high quality herbs and spices (I'm a bit of an herb/spice snob). Having worked in the natural foods industry for awhile, this is the best single source for consistently good product that I have come across. Oh yeah, and they are big on organics, and even wildcrafted stuff (with info concerning the different flavors associated with a spice and the country of origin).
If you do buy bulk at your local health food store, it is most likely Frontier herbs/spices, which is definitely not bad. My overall advice if you do shop in bulk at a local store, SMELL YOUR SPICES. This will give you an idea if it is fresh. Some stores go through their spices more frequently, thus giving you a fresher product. Some spices sell quickly, others do not. If it doesn't smell strongly, don't buy it.
I've been happy with Spicebarn.com for most things. But I order my vanilla beans from beanilla.com
I've ordered from SpiceBarn several times. But always their excellent popcorn toppings.
In an attempt to try to eat somewhat healthy snacks, the wife and I opt for air-popped popcorn with a little cooking spray to make the toppings stick. We even buy our popcorn in bulk (50 lb. sack) at Sam's Club. I can provide a critique of most of SpiceBarn's popcorn toppings.
Is it a safe assumption, or would I be making an ass out of u?
I spice JAO's up front. If I reuse a fruit bag for a second run batch I generally also spice in primary but if it didn't come through enough I'll add more to secondary.
I think I prefer having my spices fermented, even if it needs more of them, that way I can just toss them in and fermentation will take care of anything exciting that I don't want to introduce to a wine that's done fermenting. It could make absolutely no difference at all from a scientific point of view, but I've never had a fermented vanilla bean go funky on me and I have had fuzzy things grow on vanilla beans added in secondary even though I rinsed them in sanitizer.
I like:
http://www.penzeys.com/
also, for large quantity at a good price:
http://www.atlanticspice.com/
http://www.penzeys.com/
also, for large quantity at a good price:
http://www.atlanticspice.com/
