As well, keep in mind that it takes 50 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup. Quebec is the world's largest maple syrup producer and Vermont, right next door, is the second largest. There are more than 11,000 maple operations in Quebec alone. When you shop for syrup, look for official quality control designations on the label. For example, Canadian maple syrup products are of high quality and they are graded for appearance and taste as Canada No. 1, extra light, light, amber, medium, or dark.
Flavors are more pronounced in darker syrups.
It's all a matter of taste. If you've never tried the real thing, all it will take is one taste.