Having grown up in New York State, I know about maple syrup. In a fit of loyalty and longing for the foods of home (I now reside in California), I researched and ordered a gallon of dark amber, grade A, maple syrup from Sugarbush Hollow.
I was disappointed to note its light color when I opened it after arrival. However, I wasn't going to send it back so I just let it ride. Recently, I purchased some Vermont medium amber, grade A maple syrup from the Vermont Country Store and also some organic dark amber, grade A maple syrup from Costco (apparently made in Canada). It was my chance to compare and contrast. Here is what I found:
1. The Costco dark amber was quite a bit darker and richer in flavor than the Sugarbush dark amber.
2. The Sugarbush dark amber was about the same color as the Vermont medium amber.
3. Both the Costco and Sugarbush maple syrups had better flavor than the Vermont variety.
It is possible that Sugarbush simply made a mistake and mislabeled this particular gallon of maple syrup. Or, maybe they are foisting off medium amber maple syrup under the label of dark amber on buyers who don't know any better. I don't know.
Regardless, I was disappointed and will not purchase any more maple syrup from Sugarbush Hollow. read more