Baker's Award Syrup

SHIRLEY, Maine — Charlie Baker of Baker’s Maple Syrup in Shirley again received one of the top awards at the 2015 Maine Maple Producers: Maple Mania this past weekend.

Kathy Hopkins, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Services presented Baker with the first place blue ribbon on June 13 at the fifth annual Maple Mania Conference of the Maine Maple Producers Association. He won his award in the Amber Rich Division.

This is the first year Maine along with all New England states has used the new grading system. Grading is now classified as golden-delicate flavor, amber-rich flavor, dark-robust flavor, very dark-strong flavor.

Baker won in the amber-rich classification, which is currently the most desirable syrup. Judging of the syrup was in four standards — density, color, clarity and flavor. He received a 100 out of 100 points. Two years ago Bake won second place in the Dark Amber Division.

This year’s conference was held June 11-13 at T & B Celebration Center in Skowhegan . The conference highlighted exhibits, workshops, judging of maple syrup and maple products, and tours of six maple sugar operations.

This annual conference is hosted at different locations around the state. Plans are underway for the Portland location next year. The conference draws 200 sugar makers from Maine and other New England states, Quebec, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York .

2013 Maine Maple Producers Award

Charlie Baker of Baker’s Maple Syrup of Shirley, Maine received a second place ribbon Saturday June 15^th at the 3^rd annual Maple Mania Conference of the Maine Maple Producers Association. Charlie won his award in the Dark Amber Division. This year’s conference was held on June 13-15 in Jackman at Forest Hills School and Mike’s Moose Crossing.

Besides great hospitality by Jackman and food at Mike’s Moose Crossing. The conference highlighted exhibits, workshops, Judging of maple syrup and maple products, tours of 8 large maple sugar houses north of Jackman to the Canadian border. Some of these sugar houses are currently tapping 40,000 trees. All properties are on leases by Hilton Timberlands, LLC and Christian Camps & Conferences Association.

This annual conference is hosted at different locations around the state. Next year plans are underway for the Houlton Location. The conference draws 200 sugar makers from around the state of Maine, Quebec, Michigan, New York, and other New England states.