Burnt taste

[Chrisalee14]

I submitted my syrup into a contest and I received 9/10 clarity I received 10/10 density but all 3 judges gave me 20/45 taste and all said it tasted burnt... any opionions as to why?

[GeneralStark]

It would help if you described your production methods, especially how you boil. My first guess is too much niter in the syrup pans, but without knowing the specifics of how you made the syrup, I'm just shooting in the dark.

[325abn]

Because it tasted burnt to the judges. Does it taste burnt to you?

[BAP]

Do you cook it on a wood fired evaporator? If so, that can add a smoke flavor.

[Chrisalee14]

I have 30 trees on 5 gallon buckets... I cooked on homemade cylinder block arch no smokstack on a 2x6 continuous flow pan,,, I cook until it gets low then transfer to a turkey fryer until it gets real close then finish in my kitchen... filter on flat filters never had to add sap to dilute so I don't know how you would even get a burnt taste. But yes I do think it has a slight burnt taste to it... any help would be helpful. Thanks in advance! Only 2nd year cooking too

[GeneralStark]

Any scorch on the bottom of your pans?

[DrTimPerkins]

Add a bit of smokestack to your arch to help prevent/reduce ash from getting into the boiling sap.

[Chrisalee14]

No scorch at all

[GeneralStark]

Then I agree that it is likely related to ash/smoke....

[maple flats]

Did the sides of the pan get any burnt on? That can affect the taste too.