Anyone Tap in Northwestern Ct yet?

[Pauly V]

I have made 3.5 gallons so far. I have 50 taps. My first batch was golden color..almost a butterscotch flavor. My last 2 batches have been considerably darker and better density. Is a higher sugar content responsible for this? I have been boiling 219-220. My first year and I am having a blast!00.jpg

[MichtonTree]

I have made 3.5 gallons so far. I have 50 taps. My first batch was golden color..almost a butterscotch flavor. My last 2 batches have been considerably darker and better density. Is a higher sugar content responsible for this? I have been boiling 219-220. My first year and I am having a blast!

From what I have read (remember it’s my first year too) usually early in the season the syrup is lighter and as the season progresses it darkens. Your boil time effects the color, I’m guessing longer boils will caramelize (darken) the sugar more. How clean the sap is also effects the color (bark, bugs and debris). Could also be too strong of a boil as you finish the syrup produces a darker syrup. Really, I’m not sure, I do not have enough experience to really say. Maybe one of the many seasoned sugarer’s on this site would know better.

[sugarridge48]

I am pretty new to this but in my exsperiance later in the season is always darker. I also have found if you just keep adding sap to a batch pan your syrup comes out darker. Small batches have always come out better for me. I also have noticed when I was tapping reds the syrup was darker.

[Pauly V]

My boil is pretty vigorous right up until i pull it..to eager perhaps to get it finished maybe...ive been doing 30 -35 gallon batches...i will experiment some more.

[MichtonTree]

Well, the buckets had about a quart in each (average) today and with tomorrows temps hitting mid 40’s, should have a nice run. I also have plenty of sap buried in the snow, . Looks like I’ll be taking off from work tomorrow.... It’s the right thing to do!

[MichtonTree]

Ten gallons of sap today from my twelve taps...and they were still dripping as the rain came...see what in the buckets in the morning???

[MichtonTree]

Checked buckets this morning, 12.25 gallons from twelve taps over night. Best run of the year, go figure. Taps still dripping hard.
I'll have a long day boiling on Saturday... but the nephews will be over to help. Will be a fun day!

[Run Forest Run!]

Enjoy your day of boiling Michton Tree. I think you're hooked.