Recommended maple syrups

First place: Gingerbrook Farm, Vermont Grade A Dark Amber, 2012 season

Produced by Robert Machin and Family, South Washington, VT 05675. I found this maple syrup at Upper Valley Coop in White River Junction in 2012. I didn’t try the other grades.

Second place: Merck Forest and Farmland Center, Vermont Grade A Medium Amber, 2010 season

Produced in Rupert, VT. Organic. Excellent flavor for a medium amber, which I usually find too mild. Their dark amber and grade B both had a distinct aftertaste in 2010, which is why I chose the medium amber.