Into a high-speed blender (I use
VitaMix), add the cashews, coconut milk, whole vanilla pod + all it's beans, drained cashews, extract, paste, maple syrup, bourbon, water, brown sugar, and sea salt. Blend on medium-high speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down container. Blend again until silky smooth, about 30 seconds. It will get steamy - this is okay. Pour base mixture into a lidded container and store in refrigerator for at least 8 hours. It needs to be good and cold before churning.