How's the maple syrup doing?

[Soop]

I don't know if it's too early to tell, but I haven't bought any so far this year. Did the whole frost thing go well? Need some cheap maple syrup.

[Harters]

Soop -

Bought some when we were in New England a few weeks back (not tried it yet). Eye-wateringly expensive in comparision with the Canadian No 2 Amber that we usually get in the supermarkets here in the UK - but presumably it's going to be a much better quality (although I doubt I have a sufficiently developed palate to know the difference)

[Soop]

Really? More expensive than that? Let me know what you make of it.

I really like the #2 from Waitrose, it's a really nice deep flavour. God I love maple syrup. I'm going to see if there are any cocktails you can make with it.
Hmm:
http://www.maplesyrupworld.com/pages/...

Seems to involve a lot of lime. That maple Leaf seems strong.

[Harters]

Yep. Just over 200ml and it cost $10. Whereas the Waitrose price for 200ml would be around £3.20.

[kipkappa]

You know, each sugar house makes a different tasting syrup! The taste can change from year to year like wine, too. During the season, many places that tap and make maple syrup are open to the public and even organize collective open houses and weekend festivals. Lots of fun for any age.
In Vermont, USA, depending from whom you buy it from, maple syrup costs $48-$60 for a gallon (3.79 liters) Your preference of labeled Grade A extra light, light, medium to dark and then Grade B. Grade C not often found 'cause its sap has less sugar in it and it can taste greenish or buddy.
The run of 2012 was in warm February rather than traditional March. And there's encroaching beetles to worry future harvests, too.
By the way, there's an excellent vodka made from 100% maple, from here in VT. There's also a maple vodka flavored with more syrup. Look up "Sapling" Enjoy!

[MikeG]

I haven't gotten around to it, but I plan to stock up sooner rather than later - the harvest was actually quite poor this year, I believe though I'm not sure exactly what went wrong with the weather - maybe too warm a Winter or too short a Spring?

ETA: Apparently it warmed up too quickly for a good harvest: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839950

[Soop]

Dammit, that's like the 3rd year in a row. Ah well. Thanks Mike!

[MikeG]

Yeah, I wasn't happy to hear about it either. At least it has a long shelf, especially unopened, so stocking up is an option. Hopefully this isn't the beginning of a new climate trend!