is the end near?

[JSEDLAK]

My last boil my syrup came out very dark, but very good. After talking to some more experienced, (this is my first year), they said that dark syrup was a sign of the end of the season. I am not so sure, I realize we got tap earlier this year but does that mean that the season would end earlier? I am still collecting what I believe to be quality sap, at the same rate I hae been getting it all season. I think my dark syrup came from cooking too long, I brought the temperatur to 222 in my block arch, a few degrees higher that normal. Next batch I will stop earlier and see if that makes a differance.

[happy thoughts]

I think you're on the money. Sounds like your syrup got a little carmelized. It's been a weird warm winter for sure but not even the red maples look close to budding where I live. I think there's at least a few more weeks of winter left.

Good luck on the next batch:)

[PerryW]

In general, the syrup gets darker as the season progresses, but many times you will make dark amber (usually after a warm spell) then the syrup will lighten back up to medium or fancy with the return of cool weather.

Don't pull your taps until you hear the peepers.

[Russell Lampron]

I have started more than one season making dark syrup right out of the gate. Last season I started out making grade B and the last boil of the season, in early April was light amber. Some years it is just backwards and I wouldn't be calling it a season just because I made my best syrup first.