Hi MSM. I've had more trouble with the filtering this year than in other years too. After the first batch of ridiculously sluggish filtering, I waved the white flag and and am now letting the batches settle out in large bottles and will decant the clear stuff off in a day or two and then gently reheat to 180F for a final bottling. I don't know why this year is causing filtering problems, but I've decided to not even bother fighting with it. The syrup I've made so far is settling out just perfectly in the jars and I'm confident that what I'll eventually bottle will be crystal clear and delicious.

BTW, my sugar content greatly increased last week so my second batch was much quicker and easier to make than my first batch. I suspect you'll find the same thing with your next run of sap - once these frigid temperatures ease up a little.