Just before the holidays in December 2024, our local Costco in Greenville, SC. had two different pure maple syrups available. One was listed as simply Grade A. The other was a Bourbon Barrel aged version with no grade listed.

We got a bottle of each. We did a blind taste test to see for ourselves if there was really a difference…AND THERE WAS!

A bit about pure maple syrup for educational purposes:

Production:

• Sap Collection:
  • In late winter and early spring, temperatures fluctuate between freezing nights and thawing days. During this time, sap begins to flow within maple trees.
  • Producers tap the trees by drilling small holes and inserting spouts, allowing the sap to be collected.  
• Boiling:
  • Maple sap is mostly water, with a low sugar concentration.
  • The collected sap is boiled to evaporate the water, concentrating the sugar.  
  • It takes a significant amount of sap (roughly 40 gallons) to produce just one gallon of maple syrup.  
• Grading:
  • Maple syrup is graded based on its color and flavor. These characteristics vary depending on when the sap was collected during the season.  
  • Modern grading uses terms like:
    • Golden Delicate  
    • Amber Rich  
    • Dark Robust  
    • Very Dark Strong
  • Darker syrups, produced later in the season, generally have a more intense maple flavor.  

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Natural Sweetener:
  • Pure maple syrup is a natural substitute to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners.  
• Nutritional Content:
  • It holds minerals like manganese, zinc, calcium, and potassium.  
  • It also includes antioxidants, which may offer health benefits.  
• Flavor:
  • The flavor profile of maple syrup ranges from delicate and subtle to robust and intense, depending on the grade.  
• Uses:
  • It’s commonly used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and French toast.  
  • It can also be used in baking, cooking, and beverages.  

Important Notes:

• “Pure” maple syrup means it’s made solely from maple sap, with no added ingredients.  
• Be aware that “pancake syrup” or “table syrup” is often made with corn syrup and artificial flavors. It is not the same as pure maple syrup.

Check out our video review below!