New question on bottling.

[Hill Crest Maple]

Hello all,
I am 4 years new to this, 80 or so taps. So far I have had individual batches and finished each the
next morning (about 1-2 gallons). Last year we purchased an 18x48 evaporator and are expecting
a bit more syrup this year. What can we do if we collect about 5 gallons or so of near syrup before
we finish? How do I store it? I have three 5 gallon plastic containers I purchased from a local
maple syrup supplier to store finished syrup in. Can I reuse these containers? Will the near syrup
be o.k. if we keep combining it until we have time to can it?
Thanks.
Hill Creast Maple

[PerryW]

You can store your near-syrup in any food grade container and it will keep for a week or two in the fridge (longer if you freeze it). Your 5-gal plastic drums will work just fine. Just rinse out the containers well with hot water (no soap) and you can reuse them.

No problem combining batches unless you suspect off-flavors in one of the batches.

[Hill Crest Maple]

Thankyou PerryW.