100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup - Pint

A Guide to the Different Grades

One of the biggest challenges in selling maple syrup is explaining to customers the characteristic flavors of the different syrup grades. In Vermont, maple syrup is sold in 5 grades from the lightest to the darkest: grade A fancy (the lightest) grade A medium amber, grade A dark amber, Grade B (sometimes called cooking syrup) and grade C commercial syrup (not available on the retail market). They are all good, but the differences between them are significant.

The most important to understand is that all syrups are the exact same thickness. Darker syrups are not thicker than lighter syrups (a common misconception).

In explaining the grades the first thing to know is that there is only one way to make light syrups; use very fresh, pure sap, kept cold and boiled without delay. These syrups, fancy and medium amber have the most pure and consistent maple flavor, they have a delicate taste and little to no aftertaste. They go well with ice cream and other desserts. They are delicious, but their subtle flavors can be lost in cooking or on strongly flavored foods.

Unlike the lighter syrups, there are many factors that result in the production of the darker grades of maple syrup. Warmer sap temperatures, aging sap, sap from late in the season, all make syrup darker. Because different things can make syrup dark, the darker grades have somewhat more variable flavors from batch to batch. The most consistent thing you can say about darker syrups is that their flavor is stronger as they get darker and is better able to compete with other foods.

Grade A Fancy: The lightest, purest maple flavor, most consistent , smoothest taste. Good for desserts or mild foods.

Grade A Medium Amber: A very pure tasting syrup with a somewhat stronger flavor than fancy. Great on pancakes and waffles. A very good all-around syrup. Good choice for a gift to those less accustomed to maple syrup.

Dark Amber: A strongly flavored syrup well suited to pancakes for those who like a more intense flavor. Can have a slight sharpness to its flavor.

Grade B: A very strong syrup, best for baking and cooking. Can be eaten with pancakes, but can sometimes be somewhat sharp tasting on its own.

Grade C: The darkest most variable syrup. Some tastes great, some is bitter and harsh, it depends on the batch. Can only be sold in lots of 5 gallons or more.