Grade A this, Grade A that! The maple syrup business really doesn't brand itself very clearly, does it? Thankfully, I've done the homework for you. If you already know your syrup, skip to the end of my review.
Maple syrup is graded not on "quality" or the way it is made or how much maple sugar is in it, but rather on the color, which corresponds to when the syrup was extracted and the sort of flavor you can expect from it. Maple syrup is divided into 4 Grade A varieties; the scale was changed a few years back, so all syrups are classified as "A" now, because the former scale was very misleading.
Here's the scale, by my own measure:
Grade A Golden: the earliest and palest of syrups, this has a very delicate flavor, and is rather light on the maple taste. If you're looking for an exceptionally light touch of maple, Golden is certainly an option, but personally, I don't prefer it.
Grade A Amber: This is the syrup I'm reviewing right here. These syrups are slightly darker in color than Golden and extracted relatively early in a season, giving it a more definitive, yet soft maple flavor, as well as lovely hints of vanilla, thanks to the natural vanillin content of the syrup. I adore this over waffles, but it's also critical to my maple ice cream (a smash-hit whenever I serve it, if I may say so) and a few other baking projects. As someone who loves vanilla and a sweet taste of maple, this is my go-to.
Grade A Dark: This is probably the syrup most are familiar with; it's darker still, and has a strong maple flavor. The vanilla notes we expect from the Amber are nearly completely obscured by the richness of the maple, giving it that sturdy, no-nonsense sweetness that you'd expect of a good-quality diner maple syrup.
Grade A Very Dark/Strong: This is typically exclusively used by serious chefs; it's the last syrup of the season and the color is exceptionally dark, with the maple flavor becoming almost unwieldy for a mere bed of pancakes. I've heard a friend who uses this in place of molasses in some recipes, but I'd steer clear of serving this with breakfast unless you're looking for the most intense flavor there is.
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That bit of syrup knowledge laid down, I have to say that Butternut Mountain Farm is my preference for maple syrup these days. This Grade A Amber Rich is so versatile; I love it over waffles, where it provides a nice, maple sweetness that isn't overpowering or too rich. It's fantastic in baking, and when I'm not making maple-flavored ice cream with it, I'm drizzling a little on top of a simpler vanilla with some walnuts for a tasty treat. I think the quality is superb and I highly recommend it!
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From the manufacturer
Butternut Mountain Farm - 100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup
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Better for YouMaple is nature's purest sweetener. Nothing is added. No preservatives. No artificial colors or flavors. Maple syrup is one simple ingredient that is filled with essential nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants, and is the only sweetener that delivers manganese, vitamin B2, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium in every drop. |
The SourceButternut Mountain Farm Maple Syrup starts in the forests of the Green Mountain State. Over the past 40 years we've built relationships with about 350 select sugarmakers - people whose stories we know and practices we respect. The farmers with whom we work understand maple and share our commitment to maintaining the health and sustainability of our forests, and are committed to making the highest quality syrup found in the world. |
Perfect TasteIt's all Grade A. The classses of pure maple syrup are based on color and flavor. They do not relate to quality. The grades are meant to help identify the right flavor profile for the palate or recipe. As a rule, the darker the maple syrup color, the more robust the flavor. |
Maple Makes it MemorableForget pancakes, there are a lot of great ways to get maple into your daily diet. We eat maple every day, often as an ingredient in entrees you might not expect. Maple syrup & maple sugar bake up very similarly to cane sugar. Substitute about ¾ the volume of cane sugar with maple syrup, and reduce the other liquids to accommodate for any extra liquid. In the case of maple sugar, a one-to-one substitution generally works just fine. |
What is Pure Maple Syrup?
Pure maple syrup comes from trees, not cornfields. The mighty maple - a tree indigenous to North America that boasts dramatic fall color and sports that iconic leaf - is the source of this sweet elixir. Each spring “maple sugar makers” head out to the native woods of eastern North America to collect the maple tree’s sap. Through a careful process of collection, concentration and boiling, the sap is transformed into the richly flavored amber colored syrup of which we are all so fond – 100% pure maple syrup. Through our commitment to careful stewardship, we can harvest sap from the same trees for centuries without diminishing the resource.
Pure maple contains no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. It is just one simple ingredient with nothing added. Pure maple syrup is entirely natural and essentially wild - a thoroughly wholesome sweetener straight from the forest to your table.
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| Amber Quart | Dark Quart | Dark 12 fl oz Organic | Dark 12 fl oz | 4.5 oz Candy Organic | |
| Grade | Amber Rich | Dark Robust | Dark Robust | Dark Robust | |
| Organic | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Non GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Paleo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kosher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Product of VT | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Butternut Mountain Farm Sugarhouse
Johnson, Vermont.
Welcome to Butternut Mountain Farm
At Butternut Mountain Farm, we are committed to the natural sweetness, flavor nuances, and versatility of pure maple. A Vermont based, family owned company, we are wholly committed to ensuring that the product you receive is of the highest quality. Our family has been deeply involved in the science, art and practice of maple sugaring and the Vermont Maple Industry since the 1940’s. It is a legacy and heritage we’re proud to carry forward. Our story has become greater than that of just our own family. It extends to all those with whom we work – the sugarmakers that supply us, the customers whom we supply, and the Butternut Mountain Farm crew. We are committed to excellent stewardship of our woodlands, and acting with integrity and respect toward the communities that sustain us. From managing forest lands, to packaging and distributing maple syrup, we strive to connect our work from tree to table.
Customer reviews
Not sure how long maple syrup lasts but ordered in December 2018 and shows as expired in 2013! Loved this syrup in the past but I think 5 years is a bit long. Unless it's like wine...
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2017
Flavor Name: Amber RichSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2019
Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Not sure how long maple syrup lasts but ordered in December 2018 and shows as expired in 2013! Loved this syrup in the past but I think 5 years is a bit long. Unless it's like wine...
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Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2019
Flavor Name: Amber RichSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
We ordered this and just opened it to use it. MOLD everywhere inside! Seemed to be sealed well, hopefully the whole batch wasn’t like this. Very disappointed since this stuff isn’t cheap!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2017
Flavor Name: Amber RichSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2018
Flavor Name: Amber RichSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2019
Flavor Name: Amber RichSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2018
Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2019
Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
We've been using this syrup for a long time. Never again though. Purchased late Jan 2019. It sat in the pantry for a bit. We've been using it until we noticed the best by date was 2014. 5 years old!! For comparison syrup purchased in the food store has a date of 2022. Disgusted.
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Top reviews from other countries
Laly P.
Aroma, texture and flavor are priceless!
Reviewed in Germany on June 3, 2021Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Laly P.
Reviewed in Germany on June 3, 2021
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Uwe Kanth-Eisele
Ahornsirup
Reviewed in Germany on July 23, 2021Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
michael fiss
Lecker
Reviewed in Germany on April 29, 2021Flavor Name: Dark RobustSize: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
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