First Batch done in Darien
I ran 30 taps on Norway Maples last week and boiled last Saturday. Averaged 2.15% sugar in the sap and recalibrated my refractometer to make sure it was right. Double checked it with a sap hydrometer and it was accurate. Made the clearest syrup I have ever made, or even seen. Will tap the red and sugar maples starting Feb 9th but the weather in SW CT was so nice last week I could not resist.
60 taps on a 2x4 Smoky Lake pan with propane finisher in a small but dedicated sugar shack.
Wow!!...just one word...jealous....congrats and good luck
Chris Hicks
The Sugar House at Morningstar Farm
24x50 sugar House
New 4x12 reverse fired leader arch and steam away
new h2o innovations 1000 gph r.o.
it's time to get back in the woods!
www.sappyguys.com
603-479-0804
We're teaching (kids) but not tapping (trees) because ours are STILL frozen solid!
A kid today asked if I tapped the tree maybe Maple Slushies would come out! Now wouldn't that be cool?
How is the flavor of Norway maple syrup? Any noticeable difference? Norway maples are everywhere here.Originally Posted by crolmstead
Smoky Lake 2x6 fuel-oil fired, raised flue, hoods, SSR, concentric exhaust
Home-built auto draw off
Home-built RO - double XLE 4040, PLC controlled
8x10 Sugar Shed
200 taps on tubing with Shurflo vacuum with solar
https://www.facebook.com/flowercitymaplesyrup/
Wondering if your taps froze crolmstead? Planning on tapping here last week of Feb.
I tap a few Norways and the flavor is excellent, similar to red maple, nutty, smokey, no off flavors. In the woods Norway maples run about 1.5% sugar with about 5-8 gallons per tap, in a yard I see about 2.5+% sugar and about 10-12 gallons per tap.
~ John
50 Reds, Silvers, Norways and Sugar Maple taps. 4' diameter round Amish made SS wood fired evaporator.
I put one tap in one tree two weeks ago on a "warm" day and did not get anything. Concerned that the wood may split (I am new to this still) if it is too cold, so I did not put the other taps in the tree. I am a bit further inland than you in Darien, and higher elevation, so not surprised. The forecast ahead has no sign of thaw coming. I built a new brick evaporator, got some steam tray pans, and am ready to go.
Just realized that the weather the last couple days...time for the Homer Simpson 'Doh".
Ten day forecast says weather turns following this weekend, and while it's hard to predict early runs (not to mention the weather), it's possible mid-week, likely by next weekend.
Is there such a things as sugar shack fever? I think I'm coming down with it.
Didn't anyone tell you that it is a serious illness? You ignore your job, your wife, your family, and you spend all your money on maple stuff, just like a gambler does.
150 on 3/16 gravity 2018 and 120 sap sacks
14 x 20 sugar shack
2014 New custom 2x6 arch "The Firestorm" w/ preheater, AUF & AOF
Smokey Lake pans and water jacket bottler
2024 new 2x8 set of drop flue pans and hood from Smoky Lake. Lengthen our arch.
Just a hobby but seems like more work every
year
3 generations working together
Wife that guards our syrup
43.74° N
Welcome and good luck Helicopter.
Be ready to kiss your loved ones goodbye soon!
12 taps for 2009.
30+ for 2010.
30+ for 2011.
2012- Still holding around 30+ with no help in sight.
2013-Still a loner but what a Fantastic yielding year
2014- Forever a loner
2017-Still here, after trying to kick the habit.
Down to 15-20 taps with the intent to save my marriage.
Sap Haulers- Kids NADA, I tried but I'm on my own.
Buckets and Sap Saks, 4 steam pans, Block Evaporator, and single burner propane for finishing.
http://s778.photobucket.com/home/Valleyman_bucket
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