Maple Syrup Making

[Buckmaster]

How much wood did you burn?

 

[switchhitter]

I really like your bottling process
That is a lot of work!! Has to be very rewarding

 

[5Cent]

Bravo Ric, looks delicious!

 

[finelyshedded]

How much wood did you burn?

I had tons of seasoned hickory and cherry sticks in stock for my smokers but I really put a good dent in it. If I had to estimate how much for those 3 boils put together I’d say 7 to 8 wheelbarrow heaped loads along with 4 full propane tanks.

 

[finelyshedded]

I really like your bottling process
That is a lot of work!! Has to be very rewarding

Those are two very solid pours and great price points to boot!

 

[Ohiosam]

Done for the year. We went from a terrible year to an ok year in a week.

 

[Buckmaster]

Red buds are out. It’s done and time to play Go Fish.

 

["J"]

Done for the year. We went from a terrible year to an ok year in a week.

How many gallons you end up with?

 

[Ohiosam]

How many gallons you end up with?

My Half is 25 gallons

 

[Ohiosam]

Filled my Bourbon barrel today. Now to wait 5-6 months.

 

[Hedgelj]

Filled my Bourbon barrel today. Now to wait 5-6 months.
View attachment 219176

I know a guy who's done this. Prepare to water the barrel a lot as the syrup will dehydrate the staves and cause leaks.

 

[Buckmaster]

Is there a spigot on the other end?

 

[Ohiosam]

This is my 4th year doing it. Some barrels require more watering than others. My 2024 barrel leaked the most, last years barely at all. I hose them down every couple weeks or so whether they need it or not.

I place the barrel on a furniture dolly in the garage. I occasionally rolling out in the sun for a few days then back in the garage.

That bung hole it the only opening. When it’s ready to bottle we dump it in the bottling tank.