Maple Syrup Grades

Current maple syrup grading standards are as follows:

• Grade A Golden Delicate Taste: This early-season, light colored maple syrup has a corresponding light taste that may actually be too delicate for some consumers.

• Grade A  Amber Rich Taste: Amber is typically produced mid-season and is generally said to have the classic maple flavor that is more preferred by consumers and buyers of bulk maple syrup alike. 

• Grade A Dark Robust Taste: Late-season syrup production sees warmer weather and this environmental shift affects the sugars in the maple sap to produce darker syrup and stronger, more intense flavors. It is typically used as an ingredient in cooking and baking but can also be used as a standalone syrup. 

• Grade A Very Dark, Strong Taste: The maple syrup equivalent of what molasses is to cane sugar, very dark maple syrup is very robust in color and flavor and best used as a cooking ingredient, such as in sauces and marinades.