The much predicted snowfall left 20" of heavy snow the weekend of April 14th. We anticipated the snow cover would extend our season, by keeping our sugarbush insulated from the warming sun. However, just one week later, we were watching the snow turn to rivulets in the woods, and the sap flow reduce significantly.
We had a minor setback the weekend of the blizzard when I walked into the sugarhouse and found a small pond of sap that had leaked out the 4x7 drop flue pan! The entire evaporator required disassembly and "a" leak was identified. This was patched with a liquid epoxy that can withstand 2500º F after curing. We were able to limp through the last week of the season, but have not totally solved the problem.
We finished the season with over 400 gallons of syrup, which is only the third time in our 25 years of syruping. We are quite pleased with the amount of syrup we can provide to anyone desires a fine product. Now in the process of cleanup, this will take several days at the "retiree pace"!
Soon we will be able to sample and bottle the first vintage of our bourbon barrel aged maple syrup. Check back to see when this is available.
Thanks for reading our posts this year, and if you have any questions, send an email to somerskogen@gmail.com.