I've only done it once...So I can't say one way or the other...I think coming out of the package and into bourbon should be ok. But I'm curious about a vanilla bean that is not in a sterile environment to start with...
I also had it at the Brewpub in Denver. It was august 2008 and it was excellent. I would agree that on tap it's a whole different ballgame compared to in the bottle. ~Phil