New Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup by Bissell Offers Sweet Possibilities

Craft maple syrup goes gourmet when it is aged in white oak bourbon barrels. Sugar Chalet, producer of handcrafted specialty maple syrups, honors the craft of two American traditions: maple syrup and bourbon. Combining a century of experience producing maple syrup at Bissell Maple Farm, the Ohio maple syrup is aged in bourbon barrels from Northeast Ohio distilleries. Flavors from the bourbon-soaked toasted oak barrel are drawn into the maple syrup over several months during the aging process. Each bourbon barrel is used just one time for every batch of specialty maple syrup.

"Bourbon barrel aged products have become popular, and the idea to take the maple syrup and add that flavor adds additional value to the specialty syrup," says Nathan Bissell, owner of Bissell Maple Farm and Sugar Chalet. The Bissell family has been making maple syrup in Northeast Ohio since the 1800s.

"We care about the maple syrup that we put into the barrels-it has to be the right flavor," Bissell says of the handcrafted products produced at Bissell Maple Farm. "We want just enough maple strength that is not overpowering, because we want the maple and bourbon flavors to work together."

This rich-tasting rendition of maple syrup can stand alone as a topping for desserts-drizzle on cheesecake or crème brulee, and pour it over cinnamon French toast. Sugar Chalet bourbon barrel aged maple syrup adds character to a cocktail and blends into sweet marinades or dressings. Try a maple syrup turkey rub for the holidays, or any day.

The bourbon barrel aged maple syrup is hand-poured and bottled, for sale at fine local grocers, online and at the Sugar Chalet shop at Bissell Maple Farm. "We are offering a craft product, and when people buy it they know they are buying from a family operation here in Ohio. And we're just really good at what we do," Bissell says.

About Bissell Maple Farm
Maple syrup is a time-honored tradition for the Bissell family, which has been making maple syrup in Northeast Ohio since the 1800s. Every year, extended family and friends come to the farm to help out with all aspects of maple syrup production: tapping trees, cutting fire wood, running the evaporator, making maple confections and performing live music for guests. For more information about Bissell Maple Farm and Sugar Chalet's bourbon barrel aged maple syrup, visit bissellmaplefarm.com/sugar-chalet. Or, call (440) 563-3263.