Is there such a thing as THE BEST vanilla extract? If so, where does one find it?

I have been buying my vanilla extract from a place called The Spice House in Evanston, IL.
I love their vanilla extract, but it isn't cheap! A 16 ounce bottle cost $18! I was in Chicago a couple of months ago so to save on the expense of having them ship to me, I stocked up. I bought five bottles.

If you know of or think your vanilla extract is THE BEST, please let me know as I am always looking for vanilla extract that has great tasting results. Also, I would like to know if you know of any recipes that require vanilla beans in them since I got a bunch as a gift and want to know how I can use them where one can taste the flavor.