The 2025/26 winter has been a bit harsher than I would prefer but spring is right around the bend. A long bend perhaps but I know it’s there just out of sight. Although it’s been below zero for the majority of the nights and days generally running in the single digits to teens, I have decided now is a good time to start tapping the maple trees around the property.
Last season I switched to new spiles*. These new spiles are meant to be used once and replaced the following year. Now I did and do think this is more of a marketing ploy to get you to purchase more products I do agree with the underlying principle, to keep bacteria out of the trees. So, last spring after maple season I cut each of the used spiles off the line with the intent of replacing in 2026.
So here we are 2026. Did I buy new spiles? No I did not. After thinking about it I figured a warm bath in water with a touch of bleach would clean the used spiles up just fine. So, I’m reusing the taps and after more research found most do the same.
Trying to come up with a reasonable goal regarding the amount of maple syrup that I wish to make is always awkward. I don’t have a state of the art evaporator, I don’t have a reverse osmosis machine, just a simple 18X4 pan using LP gas. I normally finish the process on a turkey cooker or more than likely inside on the woodstove over night.
Once finished, again, no fancy finishing equipment. Just a simple wool cone and bottled hot. Most tap houses have a filter press and special bottling equipment to speed things along which would be a must have if I were doing hundred of gallons a years.
My better years I come close to twenty gallons of finished syrup, my worst years only four. So you can see there is quite a range of possibilities for the amount of syrup I may make. That is in large part due to the weather, time I have to devote to the craft and available cash. Takes money to make money 🙂
Now, I think it’s because I do not have all the latest gadgets to make the process more efficient that it tastes so good. The sap pan splatters up the hot sides and burns on a bit, those small crystals of burnt sugar makes their way through my meager filter process and ends in the final bottles. Those microscopic sugar particles make a dark amber syrup- the kind I love.
How the season will end is anybody’s guess, I just go with the flow.
*Reusable 5/16-inch plastic spiles (tree-saver taps) are ideal for sustainable,, hobbyist, or professional maple tapping. These durable, food-grade, and BPA-free spiles minimize tree damage, promote faster healing, and fit standard 5/16-inch tubing or buckets. They are easy to clean with hot water and can be used for multiple seasons.Â
Key Features & Benefits
Cleaning:Â Reusable for multiple seasons when washed with hot water.Â
Tree Safety:Â 5/16″ diameter is smaller than traditional 7/16″ taps, resulting in less long-term tree damage.
Material:Â Usually made of heavy-duty, high-impact polypropylene that resists cold and UV rays.
Design:Â Often features a hook for hanging buckets and barbs for securely holding tubing without clamps.
Colors:Â Available in white (less heat absorption, better for late season) and black.
