Off Syrup

[nmerritt]

Today I made about 4 gallons of syrup. Started out dark since it sat in the pans for a couple days. The sap I gathered yesterday was nice and clear. When I was boiling today the syrup had an odd smell and the taste was between molasses and syrup. I drew off the dark stuff and the fresh sap brought my grade back near fancy, but it still smelled odd and had that funny taste. The buds do not seem to be that far out in my area. What can cause this?

[maplehound]

I had a simular thing happen this year after a warm spell. Was told by Gary Graham (Of OSU) that it was probably Metabolism. That is what happens when the trees are thinking about budding but haven't yet. At least that is how I understood it.
Ron

[mountainvan]

I almost always make a couple of pails of syrup that I think is off/strong flavor. used to mix it but now have customers that ask just for it. never made it any lighter than dark though. usually the next time I boil the flavor is gone. I'll find out tomorrow.