Our Journey
Commitment to Quality
Refining the Craft, One Boil at a Time.
The transition from a garage hobby to a professional sugarbush was fueled by a single obsession: achieving the perfect boil.
At Bear Claw Maple, "premium grade" isn't just a label - it is a standard earned through ten years of refining the craft.
The family understands that exceptional syrup isn't simply made; it is nurtured through small-batch artistry and a meticulous eye for sugar content, clarity, and flavor.
Their dedication to excellence defines every step of the process:
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Sourced with Integrity: Every drop comes from a carefully managed sugarbush, prioritizing the long-term health of the trees.
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The Hands-On Promise: By stepping away from their regular work schedules during the run, Pat and Jennifer personally oversee every batch. Every gallon is hauled, filtered, and bottled by the same hands that tapped the trees.
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Purity in Every Grade: Whether you choose the delicate, buttery notes of their Amber or the intense, caramel depth of their Dark, you are guaranteed 100% purity with no additives or thickeners.
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Sustainable Stewardship: Modern collection stations and expanded networks have increased their efficiency, allowing them to produce "liquid gold" while maintaining a deep respect for the land.
When you open a bottle of Bear Claw Maple, you aren't just getting a sweetener—you’re experiencing the pinnacle of the harvest, produced with the precision that only a decade of experience can provide.
Creating Memories with Maple
The Heart Behind the Harvest
For the owners of Bear Claw Maple, sugar season is a celebration of family. As a blended family with five kids, their most cherished traditions weren't born in a factory, but in the corner of their garage. Years ago, they huddled around a small hobby rig, boiling just enough sap to keep the kids enchanted while selling the rest.
Now in their 10th year of boiling at the house, that humble hobby has grown into a lasting legacy. While the operation has expanded with new pickup stations and modern taps, the spirit remains the same. From the excitement in the kids' eyes at the first spring boil to the long hours Pat and Jennifer spend hauling sap by the truckload, every gallon is a testament to a decade of growth, love, and a shared passion for the woods.
From Tap to Table: Our Process
Ever wonder how a clear drop of sap becomes the rich, golden syrup on your breakfast table? It’s a journey that requires patience, hard work, and a decade of experience. In the videos below, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you exactly how our family transforms the sap hauled from our Starksboro woods into our signature Amber and Dark maple products. From the first tap of the season to the final filter at the house, see the "Bear Claw" method in action.