Directions:  Cut a vanilla bean down the center lengthwise and place in an empty syrup container.  If the bean is too long you can cut in half.  I use 12oz or 16oz bottles for this.  Pour hot syrup to the top and seal.  Let stand for 1-2 months to ensure the flavor has permeated through the syrup.

Directions:  You will need 1 oak spiral (use medium or heavy toast and I ordered mine from Amazon.com) for every half gallon of syrup you plan on using.  Place the spirals in an airtight container a little larger than the number of spirals you will be using.  Then fill it halfway with the bourbon of your choice.  I let mine sit for 2 months and give it a shake once a week.  Take the spirals out of the bourbon bath a day before you are going to use them and let air dry - I keep the bourbon in the container so it can be used again.  For gallon size containers use 2 spirals, for 1/2 gallon use 1, for quarts use 1/2, and pints 1/4.  Place the spirals into the container of your choice and pour hot syrup in.  Seal and let stand for 6-12 months.  I then boil and refilter to ensure there is absolutely no alcohol but it would be minimum if any.  Rinse your spirals off and let dry.  Take a torch lightly to them and place back in the bourbon to be used again.  I am on my third season with the same spirals.  If you have access to a distillery you can see if they offer chunks of their old barrels.  You can use them in the same process and would be much cheaper.