Maple Syrup Grades
Maple syrup is graded using a spectrometer to determine the percentage of light transparency, which allows for some variation within each grade. The 2026 season leaned toward Dark and Robust, with some Amber. Next year will be different, as each sugaring season brings a new version of unpredictable spring weather.
What Creates The Colors?
Though all grades of pure maple syrup are identical in density and maple sugar content (66.9%), the color of the syrup can and does range from pale golden to dark brown. In fact, maple syrup is graded solely by its color. The difference in color has mostly to do with when in the season the syrup was made, and the corresponding flavor difference varies from complex and delicate with notes of butter and vanilla to deeply intense dark caramel. All of our maple syrup is produced by exactly the same process no matter the color.
Vermont identifies four maple syrup grades with flavor descriptors attached to their names. From light to dark there are "Golden-Delicate," Amber-Rich," Dark-Robust," and "Very Dark-Strong." When choosing which grade maple syrup to buy you can be guided by personal preference of course, but also by how you plan to use it. Table syrup for your French Toast or a drizzle on roast meat? In a salad dressing or a sauce? With hearty winter squash or in a delicate maple mousse?
From light to dark, Grade A syrup:
Golden color with delicate taste
Generally, the first syrup in a given season is very clear and light in color, like ginger ale. This syrup is graded "Golden with Delicate Taste". It has a subtle but complex flavor, with hints of vanilla. This is an excellent, sophisticated table syrup, delicious with pancakes, waffles and French toast. It is also fantastic on ice cream or fresh fruit. Contact us if you are interested in this grade: deepmountainmaple@gmail.com
Amber Color with Rich Taste
A shade darker than Golden, Amber/Rich syrup is still a light, aromatic syrup, but it has a slightly more pronounced maple flavor. This grade, along with Grade A Dark, is considered traditional “pancake maple syrup,” and is arguably our farm favorite.
Dark with Robust Taste
Dark/Robust syrup is produced toward the end of the season as the weather warms up. It has a robust maple flavor and is great in yogurt and oatmeal. It is also a good choice for baking.
If you’re looking for that very hearty, “traditional” maple flavor, you probably want this grade. Additionally, this syrup is also "the syrup formerly known as Grade B."
Very Dark with Strong Taste
The maple syrup that is made at the end of the sugaring season, just before the maple trees bud is usually graded Very Dark/Strong. Almost as dark as molasses, the very intense, sometimes tangy/earthy flavor has been described as “hardcore." Until recently, this syrup was called "Grade C," and generally unavailable to the public.
