budding tree clear sap?

[birdmancf]

I'm going a bit later in the season than usual and trying to judge when to stop. Anyway I noticed open buds on the top of one tree and the sap in the bucket was still clear. Is color of sap any determinant of whether it has gone buddy, or is tasting it the only way to tell? We've had good weather for one last weekend here, so I'll be stopping soon anyway, but or two last gallons sure would make for a great year.
Thanks for any feedback!

Chris

[TreeTapper2]

You need to cook some on the stove to know for sure. Check out 'When to stop' thread.

[PerryW]

Buddy sap can look clear and taste good but still make lousy syrup. I generaly dump yellow sap and really cloudy sap, but if you last syruptasted good, I'd keep boiling. You can always use it for cooking syrup.