When you buy maple syrup in small quantities, you can generally afford to make a mistake here and there. Maybe one bottle you buy isn't quite what you want, but you only have a few ounces of syrup to get through. When buying large amounts of wholesale maple syrup, though you can't afford to make the same mistakes. You really need to make sure you know what you're getting and get what you want. Here are some tips to help ensure you buy the right wholesale maple syrup for your needs.
Buy from closer producers, if possible.
Shipping a big, heavy container of maple syrup can get expensive. Plus, there is more of a chance for your maple syrup to be exposed to high temperatures and other less ideal conditions when it is shipped a long distance. So, if possible, you want to buy your wholesale syrup from a farmer or supplier who is located closer to you. If you find a supplier who is 20 miles away and another who is 200 miles away, the supplier 20 miles away is generally the better choice.
Know your grade.
When you buy wholesale syrup, you typically order 100 or even 200 gallons at one time. This is a whole lot of syrup to go through, so you need to make sure you get the grade you expect. Maple syrup used to be given a grade of A, B, or C. Some wholesalers may still use these grades, so it's important to know what they mean. Grade A syrup is pale with a mild flavor. Grade B is a bit darker with more caramel notes, and Grade C is a deeper brown color with a more robust, molasses-like flavor.
Most wholesalers now use words, rather than letters, to grade their syrup. "Fancy" or "Golden Color" is equivalent to Grade A. "Dark Amber" is equivalent to Grade B, and "Very Dark" is equivalent to Grade C.
Consider how it is packaged.
Make sure the wholesale syrup is packaged in a way that makes it easy for you to access. Sometimes, large quantities come in barrels. Make sure you have a way to tap the barrel if you order it this way. Some wholesalers sell their syrup in big, five-gallon jugs. These tend to be easier to pour from.
Follow the tips above as you buy wholesale maple syrup. Vendors should answer any other questions you might have.