Grade A this, Grade A that! The maple syrup business really doesn't brand itself very clearly, does it? Thankfully, I've done the homework for you. If you already know your syrup, skip to the end of my review.
Maple syrup is graded not on "quality" or the way it is made or how much maple sugar is in it, but rather on the color, which corresponds to when the syrup was extracted and the sort of flavor you can expect from it. Maple syrup is divided into 4 Grade A varieties; the scale was changed a few years back, so all syrups are classified as "A" now, because the former scale was very misleading.
Here's the scale, by my own measure:
Grade A Golden: the earliest and palest of syrups, this has a very delicate flavor, and is rather light on the maple taste. If you're looking for an exceptionally light touch of maple, Golden is certainly an option, but personally, I don't prefer it.
Grade A Amber: This is the syrup I'm reviewing right here. These syrups are slightly darker in color than Golden and extracted relatively early in a season, giving it a more definitive, yet soft maple flavor, as well as lovely hints of vanilla, thanks to the natural vanillin content of the syrup. I adore this over waffles, but it's also critical to my maple ice cream (a smash-hit whenever I serve it, if I may say so) and a few other baking projects. As someone who loves vanilla and a sweet taste of maple, this is my go-to.
Grade A Dark: This is probably the syrup most are familiar with; it's darker still, and has a strong maple flavor. The vanilla notes we expect from the Amber are nearly completely obscured by the richness of the maple, giving it that sturdy, no-nonsense sweetness that you'd expect of a good-quality diner maple syrup.
Grade A Very Dark/Strong: This is typically exclusively used by serious chefs; it's the last syrup of the season and the color is exceptionally dark, with the maple flavor becoming almost unwieldy for a mere bed of pancakes. I've heard a friend who uses this in place of molasses in some recipes, but I'd steer clear of serving this with breakfast unless you're looking for the most intense flavor there is.
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That bit of syrup knowledge laid down, I have to say that Butternut Mountain Farm is my preference for maple syrup these days. This Grade A Amber Rich is so versatile; I love it over waffles, where it provides a nice, maple sweetness that isn't overpowering or too rich. It's fantastic in baking, and when I'm not making maple-flavored ice cream with it, I'm drizzling a little on top of a simpler vanilla with some walnuts for a tasty treat. I think the quality is superb and I highly recommend it!
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Not sure how long maple syrup lasts but ordered in December 2018 and shows as expired in 2013! Loved this syrup in the past but I think 5 years is a bit long. Unless it's like wine...
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2017
Flavor Name: Amber RichSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2017
Flavor Name: Amber RichSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2018
Flavor Name: Amber RichSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2018
Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Dark robust 32oz $15 Oct 2018. The squeeze bottle was listed at $24.
First time trying this brand and it is a tasty maple syrup. Yum!
First taste is maple candied notes like a maple lollipop. Second taste, Sweetness like a child in a candy
store when you just can’t get enough. Then there is a smooth maple flavor. This is real maple syrup.
*
I used it again in my morning bullet coffee(collagen peptides, a2 or Veda ghee, brain octane mct, & maple
syrup) Yum! I will also use for my next master cleanse.
I used it in my homemade fig, date and nut bars - raw not cooked.
And then tried it in a maple martini, delicious. I recommend this if you enjoy a sweeter maple syrup.
I always opt for the dark robust maple syrups.
For years I’ve bought Many organic brands, McLure’s of Littleton NH - yummy! And so many others.
Keep in mind each year the sap season can be different from the previous. Which is why I tend to try new brands
and compare to what I have on hand.
Currently in my refrigerator was a Canadian maple syrup (log cabin on can) which was
grade A light with a sweetness that was like a light colored maple candies. This Butternut mountain
farm maple syrup was sweeter. Tasty but I truly love dark robust maple syrups.
Note: Grade A Dark Color, Robust Flavor has 24 Different Antioxidants which seems
like a great source of antioxidants but keep in mind the sugar level - can be frozen, refrigerated
or left unopened for a year.
BPA-free plastic jugs according to their facility.
On the website it states they mostly use sugar maples which have the highest sugar content.
Could be why their syrup has such candied sweetness.
First time trying this brand and it is a tasty maple syrup. Yum!
First taste is maple candied notes like a maple lollipop. Second taste, Sweetness like a child in a candy
store when you just can’t get enough. Then there is a smooth maple flavor. This is real maple syrup.
*
I used it again in my morning bullet coffee(collagen peptides, a2 or Veda ghee, brain octane mct, & maple
syrup) Yum! I will also use for my next master cleanse.
I used it in my homemade fig, date and nut bars - raw not cooked.
And then tried it in a maple martini, delicious. I recommend this if you enjoy a sweeter maple syrup.
I always opt for the dark robust maple syrups.
For years I’ve bought Many organic brands, McLure’s of Littleton NH - yummy! And so many others.
Keep in mind each year the sap season can be different from the previous. Which is why I tend to try new brands
and compare to what I have on hand.
Currently in my refrigerator was a Canadian maple syrup (log cabin on can) which was
grade A light with a sweetness that was like a light colored maple candies. This Butternut mountain
farm maple syrup was sweeter. Tasty but I truly love dark robust maple syrups.
Note: Grade A Dark Color, Robust Flavor has 24 Different Antioxidants which seems
like a great source of antioxidants but keep in mind the sugar level - can be frozen, refrigerated
or left unopened for a year.
BPA-free plastic jugs according to their facility.
On the website it states they mostly use sugar maples which have the highest sugar content.
Could be why their syrup has such candied sweetness.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2019
Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Not sure how long maple syrup lasts but ordered in December 2018 and shows as expired in 2013! Loved this syrup in the past but I think 5 years is a bit long. Unless it's like wine...
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Laly P.
Aroma, texture and flavor are priceless!
Reviewed in Germany on June 3, 2021Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Laly P.
Reviewed in Germany on June 3, 2021
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Uwe Kanth-Eisele
Ahornsirup
Reviewed in Germany on July 23, 2021Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
michael fiss
Lecker
Reviewed in Germany on April 29, 2021Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Martin
PERFECT!!!
Reviewed in Germany on September 21, 2020Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Siegfried Pfahl
So lecker!
Reviewed in Germany on February 18, 2019Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
