Pure Maine Maple Syrup from Greene Maple Farm in a beautiful 1 Liter Glass Bottle.

Maple Grades Explained

Delicate—delicate flavor and lightest color
This is the lightest color, and under the previous grading system, it was labeled as “Light.” It is usually associated with the first sap flows during the sugaring season. It is golden in color and with a mild maple flavor. It is the preferred grade of old-time sugarmakers who judged syrup based on the subtle flavors found in lighter syrup. The delicate flavor often surprises people who expect a strong maple flavor found in other grades.

Amber Rich—rich flavor and light amber color
Often referred to as “Medium”. Amber Rich is slightly darker than Deicate with a light amber color. The rich flavor is “a full-bodied maple taste of medium intensity.” This is the typical grade for folks looking for a classic maple syrup taste.

Dark Robust —robust flavor and dark amber color
The robust flavor is more pronounced than Delicate and Amber Rich. It is often what consumers assume maple syrup should taste and look like. A customer favorite.

Very Dark—strong flavor and darkest color
This grade is the darkest of all the grades and has a very intense maple flavor. Very Dark syrup holds up well in cooking and the maple flavor transfers to the final product. It is more significant flavor than most consumers expect when served on pancakes or ice cream, although it’s an ideal ingredient in a recipe that you want strong maple flavor, such as barbecue sauce or in baking.