Likely early tapping again in Berkshires
Looking over the last 12 years, average best tapping date for me at 900' elevation in the foothills of the Berkshires has been Feb 20. But the last two years the best date was Feb 9 and Feb 5. Two years ago I just wasn't buying it, and I waited. I missed a big first run, and did not make it up in the back end. Last year I tapped very early for me - Feb 5, and wound up hitting it right on the money. Had my biggest season by a mile.
All that is to say, I am going to try to be prepared for a very early (first week in Feb) tapping date again this year. I have plenty of wood stacked, just have a few chores left to do (repair the insulation on my evaporator, sanitize some taps and tubes, and other minor stuff). So I think I can be ready.
What are the rest of you thinking?
Gabe
2016: Homemade arch from old wood stove; 2 steam tray pans; 6 taps; 1.1 gal
2017: Same setup. 15 taps; 4.5 gal
2018: Same setup. Limited time. 12 taps and short season; 2.2 gal
2019: Very limited time. 7 taps and a short season; 1.8 gals
2020: New Mason 2x3 XL halfway through season; 9 taps 2 gals
2021: Same 2x3, 18 taps, 4.5 gals
2022: 23 taps, 5.9 gals
2023: 23 taps. Added AUF, 13.2 gals
2024: 17 taps, 5.3 gals
All on buckets