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High Acres Maple Syrup

"Handcrafted Sweetness from Nurtured Trees" Collected, Boiled and Bottled at Oak Hill Farm

History

The original owners, Art and Sue Melanson are whom we must thank for the success of this farms operating sugarbush. Art's son, James, spent a winter with them, and during the early spring when cabin fever was nearing its peak, he noted that the farm had a substantial number of maple trees. He suggested they tap a few and see if they could make maple syrup. In March 1997 James and Art put out 17 conventional taps and hung plastic gallon milk jugs from them. Sue provided a huge restaurant grade cast iron fry pan and during that season they gathered and boiled down 120 gallons of sap to produce 3 gallons of maple syrup. They also visited some of the maple sugar houses in the area to see how the "Big Boys" operated. One sugarhouse was upgrading their evaporator and, on a handshake, they bought their old unit. In an instant they became the proud owners of a 4' x 12' Leader drop flue evaporator. James could only shake his head and ask whether it was wise to have purchased an evaporator that was capable of producing in an hour what we had labored to do in one season. Over the next seven years they designed and constructed a sugarhouse attached to the barn. They did a phenomenal amount of research and acquired the necessary equipment to operate. WF Mason Welding of Porter, Maine provided the farm with tig-welded stainless steel equipment, ideas and encouragement. They ran 12,000 feet of 1" main line up the mountain along with enough smaller lateral lines to accommodate 1000 taps. In 2006 they added a vacuum system to the operation. By adding vacuum, don't worry, we are not, as the name implies, sucking the trees dry. Instead creating an artificial environment within the tubing that will be our hedge against borderline sap-flow days. In 2010 they added a Reverse Osmosis machine. We run sap through the machine and it removes some of the water from the sap (we call that water "permeate") and the process concentrates the sugars. This allows us to boil the sap down faster, using less fuel and less boiling time for us.

During the fall and early winter of 2012 and 2013 Art and Sue embarked on a Sugarbush Rehab project. They began by cutting away acres of underbrush, harvesting what could be used for firewood and chipping the rest back into the forest. Loads of gravel were trucked in to create access for the tractor, ATV and snowmobile in areas where the brooks make the sugarbush soupy in the spring. Next, they sought the expertise of Sugarbush Guru, Ashley Gerry of Newfield, Maine, to install a new dual-line system to extend vacuum further into the sugarbush, as well as reroute and replace aging mainlines and laterals. They had even added check-valve taps.In 2014 they converted the wood-fired evaporator to oil. Not only is it easier to call the oil company for a delivery rather than trudge into the forest to forage for wood, but the enclosed oil fired system provides a more constant flame. Previously they had to fire the evaporator every three minutes by opening the door and heaving wood in. And you always lose some degree of boil each time they did this. Every Maine Maple Syrup Weekend (it's not just Sunday anymore) we put on a pancake breakfast in our heated barn. Our barn store is open and we offer tours of the sugarhouse. In 2021, Sam and Nate purchased the farm. They both jumped in feet first to their first maple season. Luckily with help from Art and Sue and knowledgable farmhand Eli, they ran a very successful first season with just over 222 gallons of maple syrup produced. During their second season they added in another 100+ taps and made just over 279 gallons of maple syrup. They have even begun maple syrup infusions, if you have a chance, ask for the "Spiced Maple," it's a fantastic cocktail addition or perfect for fall or winter pancakes! They have dreams of expanding and producing more products in the future.
Infused Syrups - Spiced (Orange zest, cardamom, star anise, fresh ginger, cinnamon) High Acres Maple Syrup - Cinnamon - Vanilla Bean High Acres Maple Syrup - Cinnamon - Apple (apples picked right at Oak Hill Farm, dehydrated and powdered to infuse into our High Acres Maple Syrup, and if you want more apple, check out Homestead Healing's Serenitea. Keep a look out for our sweet and spicy infusion and tea inspired infusion coming soon!

Maple Syrup Weekend 3/23/2024-3/24/2024

  • Saturday from 10:00am -2:00pm we will host sugarhouse tours, our shop will be open to purchase our High Acres Maple Syrup, Homestead Healing products, and more! We will also have maple syrup over ice cream and drinks (coffee, water, juice) for purcahse.
  • Sunday from 8:00am-noon we will host sugarhouse tours, our shop will be open to purchase our High Acres Maple Syrup, Homestead Healing products, and more! We are excited to announce that we will also serve a PANCAKE BREAKFAST! The $5.00 meal includes two pancakes, two slices of bacon, a link of sausage, a drink (coffee, milk, juice or water) and of course, High Acres Maple Syrup. There will also be A La Carte options!
  • We look forward to sharing our farm with you!

Brick and Mortar Barn Store

Maple Syrup and Tours
Our barn store is attached to the sugarhouse and we love to show off our operation. If you are passing by during the sugaring season (February through April) and see steam billowing from the cupola, please come in and see us in action. If you are passing by at any other time of the year and see steam or smoke billowing forth, please call the fire department. We don't keep regular hours in the store but we are happy to open for you...just call ahead 207-625-7151 or text Sam-860-455-3950 or Nate-860-377-2524. We have maple syrup available year round. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.
Homestead Healing and Clara's Cupboard
Sam is studying the art of herbalism and has begun her own Homestead Healing brand of teas, soaps, salves, serums, sprays and dog products. Clara's cupboard has photos, knitted items, cards and jewelry, crafted by Janet Bessette.
Shipping AVAILABLE ONSITE
A USPS FLAT RATE BOX (MEDIUM) WILL HOLD2 Half Gallons1 Half Gallon + 1 Quart + 1 Pint1 Half Gallon + 4 Pints3 Quarts2 Quarts + 2 Pints2 Quarts + 3 Pints1 Quart + 5 Pints6 Pints
A USPS FLAT RATE BOX (LARGE) WILL HOLD2 Half Gallons + 1 Quart + 2 Pints4 Quarts + 2 Pints1 Half Gallon + 8 Pints2 Quarts + 7 Pints11 Pints