In Quebec's old-growth maple forests, trees are tapped and a slow, steady drip yields the raw ingredient for this delicious liquid. The exuded sap is heated in a sugar shack to evaporate much of the moisture, leaving a concentrated medium amber grade syrup. This process produces a maple syrup that people enjoy and that's usually the end of it.
But this syrup has a different story.
Mikuni, a Seattle importer and distributor, then invites the sweet stuff to mature in charred oak barrels from Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner, N.Y., for its Noble Tonic 01, a unique maple syrup with a subtle whiskey kiss. Tuthilltown Spirits is New York's first whiskey distillery since prohibition and they produce handmade bourbons, made with locally sourced grain and fruit farmed less than ten miles away. Their barrels imparts a hint of raw bourbon flavor to the syrup, thanks to 6-9 months spent in their barrels.
Yes, this is delicious stuff, delivered in packaging that deserves to be displayed in a design museum. Oh, and try not to swig directly from the bottle.
What's your favorite way to use maple syrup?
