I am a Reds tapper too, hence the name, and most of my woods are cold too. Blocked by a nice hemlock stand. I have made some buddy syrup Reds are funny that way mine have budded with ice still in the ground. One maple might run great, another not so much. Sugar is lower, sap amount is lower but I agree with russ 100% that the syrup tastes better. I will go out on a limb (no pun intended) and say I feel it has a little more complex richer flavor to it than syrup made from only sugar maples. but thats just me. although I do feel I have a very educated palet being a chef and all. but just my opinion.