Maple syrup comes in several grades, each offering a unique taste and color profile. The grading system categorizes syrup into four main types: Golden, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark.

• Golden—delicate flavor and lightest color
  This is the lightest color and is usually associated with the first sap flows during the sugaring season. It is golden in color and with a subtle maple flavor, often with hints of vanilla. The delicate flavor often surprises people who expect a strong maple flavor found in other grades.

• Amber—rich flavor and light amber color
  Amber is slightly darker than Golden 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 flavor and dark amber color
  The robust flavor is more pronounced than Amber syrup and the subtle flavors found in Golden and Amber are often masked by the maple flavor. Folks who desire a more intense maple flavor may choose this grade.

• Very Dark—strong flavor and darkest color
  This grade is the darkest of all the grades and has a very intense maple flavor. Some consumers like the strong flavors of maple associated with Dark and Very Dark. Very Dark syrup holds up well in cooking and the maple flavor transfers to the final product