Ugh - I can taste the difference in a millisecond. I like almonds but hate the taste of almond extract.
I lucked out and bought a bottle at 50% off when Winn Dixie discounted a particular brand. Then Aldi had a good deal right around Thanksgiving. I'll have enough to make it through Christmas. For baking, I use packets of vanilla sugar, instead. Great with any sort of fruit too - like apples and strawberries, peaches etc.
I'll buy vanilla beans and make my own before I pay such high prices, I'll probably do it with Vodka.
You can also just submerge the vanilla in sugar if you want - no work involved, just a bit of time and darkness and in Florida protection from sugar ants - vacuum sealed containers work best.