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Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession
A forester's enlightening journey to uncover the story behind Canada's iconic sweet nectar. Blending history, culture, science and personal reflection, this illustrated love letter to maple syrup will appeal to fans of Canadiana and those interested in how maple syrup became Canada's obsession.
Maple syrup flows through the spirit of Canada and has done so since it was first extracted from the forests by Indigenous Peoples. In eastern Canada, especially in the heart of maple syrup country in Quebec, the arrival of sugaring off-season in spring offers an excuse for feasts with dancing in the cabanes à sucre, or sugar shacks. But behind the parties lies a high-tech, high-stakes business. A cartel controls every aspect of the syrup cycle in Quebec and decides who may make maple syrup, where and how much. To skirt this iron grip, sugar bush rebels sneak their barrels of syrup out of Quebec in the dark of night, risking crippling fines and banishment from the syrup business.
In Maple Syrup Nation, forester and journalist Peter Kuitenbrouwer leads us through the sugar maple forests, from the syrup's semi-legendary beginnings to its commercial explosion and global conquest, weaving in his own story of tapping the forest along the way. For him, "sugaring off" is a magical season, when the days start to get longer and the snow begins to melt. It signals a time of togetherness and shared experience as his family battles the elements in the indomitable forest to produce bottles of pure, golden, delicious sweetener.
Maple syrup flows through the spirit of Canada and has done so since it was first extracted from the forests by Indigenous Peoples. In eastern Canada, especially in the heart of maple syrup country in Quebec, the arrival of sugaring off-season in spring offers an excuse for feasts with dancing in the cabanes à sucre, or sugar shacks. But behind the parties lies a high-tech, high-stakes business. A cartel controls every aspect of the syrup cycle in Quebec and decides who may make maple syrup, where and how much. To skirt this iron grip, sugar bush rebels sneak their barrels of syrup out of Quebec in the dark of night, risking crippling fines and banishment from the syrup business.
In Maple Syrup Nation, forester and journalist Peter Kuitenbrouwer leads us through the sugar maple forests, from the syrup's semi-legendary beginnings to its commercial explosion and global conquest, weaving in his own story of tapping the forest along the way. For him, "sugaring off" is a magical season, when the days start to get longer and the snow begins to melt. It signals a time of togetherness and shared experience as his family battles the elements in the indomitable forest to produce bottles of pure, golden, delicious sweetener.
328 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
33 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 9, 2025
Did I ever think I would read a nonfiction book about maple syrup? No. Yet when the opportunity arose thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House, in exchange for a review, I jumped. I love maple syrup as much as the next sweettoothed Canadian! Peter Kuitenbrouwer brings a uniquely suited perspective to chronicle the history and economics of the industry with writing that feels as comprehensive as it is warm.
Kuitenbrouwer’s history is smartly organized, loosely but not slavishly chronological, with a particular focus on how geography as much as history has affected maple syrup production. He starts with a general overview of what is actually involved in making syrup: tapping trees, extracting and boiling sap, etc. We learn some basic terms, like sugarbush. From there, he traces the development of syrup production as a cultural practice of Indigenous peoples to a pastime by settlers to a full-blown industry that contributes to Quebec’s GDP. Along the way, he invokes the consequences of climate change, covers the famous syrup heist, and generally just informs us all about syrup.
I really like the attention given to Indigenous peoples’ relationship to maple syrup. Not only does Kuitenbrouwer fully acknowledge the genocidal colonial history of Canada, but he draws a direct line from that to the sugarbush: early settlers would clear sugarbush for farmland, and they were aware that many Indigenous peoples used it for medicine. Later, when settlers appropriated syrup-making, they did so in a way that largely shut out First Nations. Kuitenbrouwer doesn’t shy away from this. He interviews someone from Wasauksing First Nation, on Parry Island, who has a growing commercial syrup operation. Moreover, Kuitenbrouwer’s entire approach to how he discusses maple syrup feels like an attempt to be decolonial: it’s about being in good relation to the land first, and making syrup and profit last. This is most obvious in how he bookends the experience with discussions of his own childhood and then, later, his more recent attempts at making his own syrup.
Indeed, Kuitenbrouwer brings a fascinating nexus of perspectives to this endeavour. A journalist by trade, he grew up in eastern Ontario; he has sugaring off in his blood. Later in life, he became a forester, and now he has his own sugarbush. He isn’t a commercial producer himself, so he remains an outsider to the industry, yet he has written enough stories about maple syrup to make enough connections. I feel like he does a good job of trying to be as unbiased as possible—he equally represents the views of both the syrup cartel and the “rebels,” as he calls them, and frankly discusses how his own views have evolved over his years of covering the industry’s battles between Big Syrup and the little guys. (If anything, he comes across as slightly biased in favour of the cartels—under the guise of supply management as a boon for producers—a bias I likely already shared before I read the book and which feels slightly reinforced afterwards.)
Again, though, I really like how he brings it all back to the land. To the trees. The most poignant chapters are the ones that discuss climate change and how unique eastern Canada and the northeastern United States are when it comes to sugarbush. There’s nowhere else that can produce syrup at this volume. As we heat our planet, we jeopardize maple syrup. Maybe that seems like a small thing in the grand scheme … but I like maple syrup and all its derivatives. I don’t want to lose that.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that there is a beguiling conscientiousness to Kuitenbrouwer’s writing. He cares. He cares about the planet, about people. He makes us care about the big guys and the small guys. He cares about accurately sharing the ugly parts of Canada’s history. At times it feels like he goes on at length more than I would like, and sometimes it’s a bit repetitive—could have used a little more editing.
Stuart McLean would have loved this book, I thought to myself as I read it. This guy has big Vinyl Cafe energy. And I hope that’s a big enough compliment.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
Kuitenbrouwer’s history is smartly organized, loosely but not slavishly chronological, with a particular focus on how geography as much as history has affected maple syrup production. He starts with a general overview of what is actually involved in making syrup: tapping trees, extracting and boiling sap, etc. We learn some basic terms, like sugarbush. From there, he traces the development of syrup production as a cultural practice of Indigenous peoples to a pastime by settlers to a full-blown industry that contributes to Quebec’s GDP. Along the way, he invokes the consequences of climate change, covers the famous syrup heist, and generally just informs us all about syrup.
I really like the attention given to Indigenous peoples’ relationship to maple syrup. Not only does Kuitenbrouwer fully acknowledge the genocidal colonial history of Canada, but he draws a direct line from that to the sugarbush: early settlers would clear sugarbush for farmland, and they were aware that many Indigenous peoples used it for medicine. Later, when settlers appropriated syrup-making, they did so in a way that largely shut out First Nations. Kuitenbrouwer doesn’t shy away from this. He interviews someone from Wasauksing First Nation, on Parry Island, who has a growing commercial syrup operation. Moreover, Kuitenbrouwer’s entire approach to how he discusses maple syrup feels like an attempt to be decolonial: it’s about being in good relation to the land first, and making syrup and profit last. This is most obvious in how he bookends the experience with discussions of his own childhood and then, later, his more recent attempts at making his own syrup.
Indeed, Kuitenbrouwer brings a fascinating nexus of perspectives to this endeavour. A journalist by trade, he grew up in eastern Ontario; he has sugaring off in his blood. Later in life, he became a forester, and now he has his own sugarbush. He isn’t a commercial producer himself, so he remains an outsider to the industry, yet he has written enough stories about maple syrup to make enough connections. I feel like he does a good job of trying to be as unbiased as possible—he equally represents the views of both the syrup cartel and the “rebels,” as he calls them, and frankly discusses how his own views have evolved over his years of covering the industry’s battles between Big Syrup and the little guys. (If anything, he comes across as slightly biased in favour of the cartels—under the guise of supply management as a boon for producers—a bias I likely already shared before I read the book and which feels slightly reinforced afterwards.)
Again, though, I really like how he brings it all back to the land. To the trees. The most poignant chapters are the ones that discuss climate change and how unique eastern Canada and the northeastern United States are when it comes to sugarbush. There’s nowhere else that can produce syrup at this volume. As we heat our planet, we jeopardize maple syrup. Maybe that seems like a small thing in the grand scheme … but I like maple syrup and all its derivatives. I don’t want to lose that.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that there is a beguiling conscientiousness to Kuitenbrouwer’s writing. He cares. He cares about the planet, about people. He makes us care about the big guys and the small guys. He cares about accurately sharing the ugly parts of Canada’s history. At times it feels like he goes on at length more than I would like, and sometimes it’s a bit repetitive—could have used a little more editing.
Stuart McLean would have loved this book, I thought to myself as I read it. This guy has big Vinyl Cafe energy. And I hope that’s a big enough compliment.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
September 27, 2025
As a Canadian, maple syrup runs through my veins so I was pretty excited to see this title. Not only did I learn so much about maple syrup, its production, and its controversies and corruption, this was just a great book to spend time with!
Kuitenbrouwer has an inviting, accessible style that's both informative and conversational. I particularly liked that he included his own adventures with maple syrup toward the end. The people really brought the all the stories and perspectives to life! I loved Kuitenbrouwer's thoughtful sections about Indigenous People's relationship and history with syrup.
The imagery in the prose manages to be nostalgic without cloying and I applaud Kuitenbrouwer's efforts in making this a well-rounded and comprehensive history without overcooking it.
I think any Canadian, or maple syrup enthusiast, would take something away from this short, excellent read. Highly recommend. 🍁
My request to review this was approved by Penguin Random House Canada - Doubleday Canada on NetGalley.
Kuitenbrouwer has an inviting, accessible style that's both informative and conversational. I particularly liked that he included his own adventures with maple syrup toward the end. The people really brought the all the stories and perspectives to life! I loved Kuitenbrouwer's thoughtful sections about Indigenous People's relationship and history with syrup.
The imagery in the prose manages to be nostalgic without cloying and I applaud Kuitenbrouwer's efforts in making this a well-rounded and comprehensive history without overcooking it.
I think any Canadian, or maple syrup enthusiast, would take something away from this short, excellent read. Highly recommend. 🍁
My request to review this was approved by Penguin Random House Canada - Doubleday Canada on NetGalley.
October 22, 2025
What an incredibly informative and captivating book!!
My new favourite thing is dropping syrup facts. It was such a pleasure reading the history of syrup, and the projection for the future of production.
This book is also a great reminder to purchase goods made from people who value all parts of the making process!
My new favourite thing is dropping syrup facts. It was such a pleasure reading the history of syrup, and the projection for the future of production.
This book is also a great reminder to purchase goods made from people who value all parts of the making process!
December 18, 2025
Fun and interesting. The maple syrup mafia and heist were my favorite parts. I would have liked more natural history and science but I am a nerd so.
November 13, 2025
A fascinating deep dive into one of Canada’s most iconic flavours.
I loved learning about the Indigenous origins, the supply management system, the politics, and the very real people behind maple syrup. The maple syrup heist chapter kept me on the edge of my seat—absolutely bananas!
I have a whole new reverence for this condiment, the people who make it, and will never look at it the same way again.
I loved learning about the Indigenous origins, the supply management system, the politics, and the very real people behind maple syrup. The maple syrup heist chapter kept me on the edge of my seat—absolutely bananas!
I have a whole new reverence for this condiment, the people who make it, and will never look at it the same way again.
November 7, 2025
Book Review: Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession by Peter Kuitenbrouwer
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As a proud Canadian, I couldn't resist picking up Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I saw its charming cover, I knew this was going to be a special read—and it absolutely delivered.
Peter Kuitenbrouwer, a forester with a genuine love for the land, takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the world of maple syrup. The book beautifully captures everything from the serene sugar maple forests where it all begins, to the bustling modern industry behind the scenes. Along the way, Kuitenbrouwer shares the deep-rooted Indigenous heritage of maple syrup, tracing how this sweet tradition has been embraced and cherished over centuries. The book also dives into the cultural importance of syrup in Canada and even unpacks the dramatic tale of the Great Maple Syrup Heist—a true crime story that adds an intriguing twist to this otherwise sweet narrative.
What really stood out to me was how Kuitenbrouwer blends history, science, and culture without ever feeling dry or overly technical. His conversational and approachable style made the book feel like an engaging chat rather than a textbook. I especially enjoyed the personal anecdotes he shares near the end—his own experiences with maple syrup added warmth and personality to the story, making all the historical and industrial details come alive.
The sections exploring Indigenous perspectives on maple syrup were thoughtful and enlightening, reminding me how vital it is to acknowledge these origins in any discussion about Canadian traditions.
Whether you’re a hardcore maple syrup fan like me or just someone curious about Canadian heritage, this short but rich read offers something meaningful. It’s informative, charming, and perfectly paced for anyone wanting to savor a slice of Canada’s sweet history.
Highly recommend! And if you’re intrigued by the syrup heist drama, definitely check out The Sticky on Amazon Prime for a fun dramatization.
Perfect for: Canadians, maple syrup lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in a unique cultural story.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As a proud Canadian, I couldn't resist picking up Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I saw its charming cover, I knew this was going to be a special read—and it absolutely delivered.
Peter Kuitenbrouwer, a forester with a genuine love for the land, takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the world of maple syrup. The book beautifully captures everything from the serene sugar maple forests where it all begins, to the bustling modern industry behind the scenes. Along the way, Kuitenbrouwer shares the deep-rooted Indigenous heritage of maple syrup, tracing how this sweet tradition has been embraced and cherished over centuries. The book also dives into the cultural importance of syrup in Canada and even unpacks the dramatic tale of the Great Maple Syrup Heist—a true crime story that adds an intriguing twist to this otherwise sweet narrative.
What really stood out to me was how Kuitenbrouwer blends history, science, and culture without ever feeling dry or overly technical. His conversational and approachable style made the book feel like an engaging chat rather than a textbook. I especially enjoyed the personal anecdotes he shares near the end—his own experiences with maple syrup added warmth and personality to the story, making all the historical and industrial details come alive.
The sections exploring Indigenous perspectives on maple syrup were thoughtful and enlightening, reminding me how vital it is to acknowledge these origins in any discussion about Canadian traditions.
Whether you’re a hardcore maple syrup fan like me or just someone curious about Canadian heritage, this short but rich read offers something meaningful. It’s informative, charming, and perfectly paced for anyone wanting to savor a slice of Canada’s sweet history.
Highly recommend! And if you’re intrigued by the syrup heist drama, definitely check out The Sticky on Amazon Prime for a fun dramatization.
Perfect for: Canadians, maple syrup lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in a unique cultural story.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
October 21, 2025
When I saw a book about diving into the history of maple syrup, I was truly expecting a light glance and overview of the sweet substance that Canada is known for. Instead I was pleasantly surprised by how well the author dives not only into the general high points, but sinks into individual people within the sugar tree community and truly connects with them.
This wasn't a Euro-centric colonialist mindset of the history. The author very clearly has deep respect for the indigenous communities who were responsible not only for cultivating the sugar bush, millennia before European colonizers came, but after teaching them their ways. This was despite the colonists claiming their forests as their own and destroying them, pushing indigenous people onto reserves and taking their children to send to residential schools.
He dives deep into the medicinal uses of maple trees, how they were part of indigenous culture, community and survival, and how Canada and it's government systematically disregarded them and stole this huge part of their identity from our First Peoples. This resulted not only in intergenerational trauma, but also playing a key factor in why many maple syrup forests are not owned and processed by indigenous peoples, and the author had solid rebukes for all of it.
He also continues to dive into classic history such as the great maple syrup heist, alongside his own fond memories of growing up processing maple syrup.
This entire novel reads like both a memoir, and a deep historical love affair with maple syrup and not only it's sweet appreciation today, but the dark history that's hidden beneath, and the risks to the industry to this day. This is perfect for any fans of not only maple syrup, but Canadian history itself.
*****
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This wasn't a Euro-centric colonialist mindset of the history. The author very clearly has deep respect for the indigenous communities who were responsible not only for cultivating the sugar bush, millennia before European colonizers came, but after teaching them their ways. This was despite the colonists claiming their forests as their own and destroying them, pushing indigenous people onto reserves and taking their children to send to residential schools.
He dives deep into the medicinal uses of maple trees, how they were part of indigenous culture, community and survival, and how Canada and it's government systematically disregarded them and stole this huge part of their identity from our First Peoples. This resulted not only in intergenerational trauma, but also playing a key factor in why many maple syrup forests are not owned and processed by indigenous peoples, and the author had solid rebukes for all of it.
He also continues to dive into classic history such as the great maple syrup heist, alongside his own fond memories of growing up processing maple syrup.
This entire novel reads like both a memoir, and a deep historical love affair with maple syrup and not only it's sweet appreciation today, but the dark history that's hidden beneath, and the risks to the industry to this day. This is perfect for any fans of not only maple syrup, but Canadian history itself.
*****
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 14, 2025
All that you could possibly ever want to know about Maple Syrup and more!
The author of Maple Syrup has been enjoying maple sugar season since he was a youngster; you can tell how much he loves telling this story.
Being from the Michigan area, it is not unusual to see tubing from maple trees to 5 gallon buckets in my travels. I was interested to read more. (While reading I considered that it might be fun to try, but maybe I'll visit the local metropark for a lecture instead. It sounds like a lot of work.)
The author definitely lost one star for the Big Maple chapter. I know that folks might have rough language, "In sugaring, if you have a bad month, you're fucked." and "I get up to take a piss ..." and then a bunch of language including "Shithole". The author then asks "Why is it called 'Shithole?" and the answer is "If you go up there, you'll know". The best explanation I found is that the room is drafty. The author moves on to statistics about Quebec's maple syrup statistics.
The author interviews many families across many provinces. Each province has its rules and regulations. I feel that the author definitely sided with the producers and didn't give the regulatory agencies an opportunity to explain why they had different requirements. It felt very biased to me.
I thought that the Maple Heist chapter was well explained and quite an operation.
Between 3 & 4 stars, but rounding down due to the Big Maple chapter and its language.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession by Peter Kuitenbrouwer in exchange for an honest review.
Approx 328 pages. Expected publication is Oct 2025.
The author of Maple Syrup has been enjoying maple sugar season since he was a youngster; you can tell how much he loves telling this story.
Being from the Michigan area, it is not unusual to see tubing from maple trees to 5 gallon buckets in my travels. I was interested to read more. (While reading I considered that it might be fun to try, but maybe I'll visit the local metropark for a lecture instead. It sounds like a lot of work.)
The author definitely lost one star for the Big Maple chapter. I know that folks might have rough language, "In sugaring, if you have a bad month, you're fucked." and "I get up to take a piss ..." and then a bunch of language including "Shithole". The author then asks "Why is it called 'Shithole?" and the answer is "If you go up there, you'll know". The best explanation I found is that the room is drafty. The author moves on to statistics about Quebec's maple syrup statistics.
The author interviews many families across many provinces. Each province has its rules and regulations. I feel that the author definitely sided with the producers and didn't give the regulatory agencies an opportunity to explain why they had different requirements. It felt very biased to me.
I thought that the Maple Heist chapter was well explained and quite an operation.
Between 3 & 4 stars, but rounding down due to the Big Maple chapter and its language.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession by Peter Kuitenbrouwer in exchange for an honest review.
Approx 328 pages. Expected publication is Oct 2025.
October 22, 2025
Journalist, forester and author Peter Kuitenbrouwer provides an illustration filled micro history of one of Canada's major identifiers and industries in Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession. Kuitenbrouwer covers everything from the traditional practices of the Indigenous Peoples, arrival of colonists and dispossession to the present day end of industry threat of climate change.
The narrative unfolds in short sections, each with their own topic or focus. Kuitenbrouwer details both his life and experience in making maple syrup to reportage of different production locations alongside historical studies. Some chapter combine all of these. The writing is engaging, both detailed when needed, and able to summarize significant history clearly and succinctly.
Readers will learn the process of making maple syrup from sap to syrup, how winter and spring play are key portions of the process. In our present day, the decrease of winters and snowfall suggests a possible future without syrup. Kuitenbrouwer also details the history of this commodity, especially as it can only be made in North America. The twentieth century greatly changed the process along produces to make ever more. There are also sections detailing the 2010s syrup heist and those rebeling against outside organizational control.
Recommended to readers of micro-histories, natural histories, or Canadian history.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
The narrative unfolds in short sections, each with their own topic or focus. Kuitenbrouwer details both his life and experience in making maple syrup to reportage of different production locations alongside historical studies. Some chapter combine all of these. The writing is engaging, both detailed when needed, and able to summarize significant history clearly and succinctly.
Readers will learn the process of making maple syrup from sap to syrup, how winter and spring play are key portions of the process. In our present day, the decrease of winters and snowfall suggests a possible future without syrup. Kuitenbrouwer also details the history of this commodity, especially as it can only be made in North America. The twentieth century greatly changed the process along produces to make ever more. There are also sections detailing the 2010s syrup heist and those rebeling against outside organizational control.
Recommended to readers of micro-histories, natural histories, or Canadian history.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
November 19, 2025
Who knew there was so much to discover about maple syrup? I’d never even paid it any attention before, as it’s not a particularly British thing to get excited about, but this well-written and meticulously researched book opened up a whole new world to me. A mix of memoir, reportage and history, it begins as a seemingly simple account of a family making maple syrup in the Canadian woods and soon branches out into a wide-ranging exploration of tradition, cultural heritage, science, politics, medicine, community, family and environmental issues. So much, it’s hard to take it all in – and it’s all centred on maple syrup, which has a significance that goes way beyond something tasty to pour over pancakes. I admit that some of the more technical aspects of the production of the syrup didn’t hold my attention, but for those who like that sort of thing, then this book has added pleasures. All in all, I found this such an enlightening and illuminating book and really enjoyed having my horizons expanded. My next visit to Canada will definitely include maple syrup.
October 28, 2025
I applied for an ARC of this book on NetGalley because I was lured in by the sweet promise of learning more about maple syrup. Combining his personal experience with history, culture, crime, environmental sustainability, Peter Kuitenbrouwer explores what maple syrup has meant to him, his immigrant family, and the people of Canada and the world throughout history. He credits the Indigenous peoples of this land and explores the impact that colonialism still plays on their relationship with the sugar bush. He also reiterates that if we want to keep enjoying maple syrup, we NEED to take better care of the planet because it requires very specific conditions that are slowly disappearing. I learned a lot reading this and really enjoyed how the information was presented for readers. The illustrations in it were beautiful and I loved the quotes that were highlighted.
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 19, 2025
A fascinating read on a absorbing subject!
While this book could have benefited from a little better organization, the author’s enthusiasm for the topic more than made up for any infelicities in the book’s formatting. I learned a lot and was more or less entertained the whole time. This book adeptly covers the history and science of maple syrup production, the market forces that control syrup today, the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, and much more; it’s quite informative.
The author inserted a fair bit of his own experiences into the narrative, which usually I’m not a fan of. However, in this case the insertions were relevant and interesting enough for me to let it slide. I really appreciated how this book constantly circled back to indigenous people as the first maple sugar producers and the need for environmental protections to insure the existence of maple syrup in the future.
While this book could have benefited from a little better organization, the author’s enthusiasm for the topic more than made up for any infelicities in the book’s formatting. I learned a lot and was more or less entertained the whole time. This book adeptly covers the history and science of maple syrup production, the market forces that control syrup today, the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, and much more; it’s quite informative.
The author inserted a fair bit of his own experiences into the narrative, which usually I’m not a fan of. However, in this case the insertions were relevant and interesting enough for me to let it slide. I really appreciated how this book constantly circled back to indigenous people as the first maple sugar producers and the need for environmental protections to insure the existence of maple syrup in the future.
December 22, 2025
First things first, thank you so much to Doubleday Canada and Edelweiss for the advance review copy! As always all opinions shared below are 100% my own.
I don't think I've ever loved maple syrup this much before. Yes, it's tasty of course. But before this book I'd never really considered the long eventful history of it! And if you're thinking: How interesting can it be? Ooohoho. You're in for a treat.
A product both essential to and rich in the culture of Indigenous Tribes? The rise and fall of the Maple King? A modern day mindbogglingly creative Maple Syrup heist?! Seriously, you're in for a treat (no pun intended).
And all that is paired with gorgeous cozy illustrations that capture the whole journey.
Just read this. I promise it's fun and you'll come to appreciate Maple Syrup even more!
You can also find me on: Instagram
I don't think I've ever loved maple syrup this much before. Yes, it's tasty of course. But before this book I'd never really considered the long eventful history of it! And if you're thinking: How interesting can it be? Ooohoho. You're in for a treat.
A product both essential to and rich in the culture of Indigenous Tribes? The rise and fall of the Maple King? A modern day mindbogglingly creative Maple Syrup heist?! Seriously, you're in for a treat (no pun intended).
And all that is paired with gorgeous cozy illustrations that capture the whole journey.
Just read this. I promise it's fun and you'll come to appreciate Maple Syrup even more!
You can also find me on: Instagram
October 13, 2025
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
I love maple syrup. Whether it's drenched over pancakes or French toast, used as a sweetener in baked goods, drizzled onto of oatmeal, I am into it. I love it. but the real stuff - not the table syrup. Give me the stuff right from the sugar shack!
But I admittedly didn't know much more about maple syrup than 1) it tastes good and 2) a vague understanding of how it's made. Reading this book gave me a lot more appreciation for maple syrup, its history, how it's part of Canadian culture, and why it's seen as liquid gold.
This was an informative, enjoyable read and while very niche, I think other people who love maple syrup AND learning will enjoy this book.
I love maple syrup. Whether it's drenched over pancakes or French toast, used as a sweetener in baked goods, drizzled onto of oatmeal, I am into it. I love it. but the real stuff - not the table syrup. Give me the stuff right from the sugar shack!
But I admittedly didn't know much more about maple syrup than 1) it tastes good and 2) a vague understanding of how it's made. Reading this book gave me a lot more appreciation for maple syrup, its history, how it's part of Canadian culture, and why it's seen as liquid gold.
This was an informative, enjoyable read and while very niche, I think other people who love maple syrup AND learning will enjoy this book.
December 11, 2025
I like the idea of social histories built around the political, cultural, and economic implications of particular commodities and have read a few over the years that I have enjoyed. This one was no exception. Kuitenbrouwer does a thorough-going job exploring so many different facets of the past, present, and future of the maple syrup industry. I think I would have enjoyed a little more exposition on the way maple syrup functions as part of the Canadian imagination. Nonetheless, it's there particularly as he explains the impact of colonization of our First Peoples and the 'white washing' of the historical narrative. It's a compelling read and I learned a lot not just about the mechanics of this industry but it's social and political dynamics.
December 23, 2025
Borrowed this from the library and wish I bought it instead. I just wanted to learn about maple syrup production and history. This book is more than that. This book is about Maple syrup but also about Indigenous history and colonialism as well as climate change, environmentalism and sustainability. These topics weren’t taught in school, at least not when I was in elementary and high school. That seems to have changed now.
As the daughter of immigrants from Asia, it feels strange knowing what I know now about Canadian history and Turtle Island, as well as the genocide and slavery included in building Canada. It was whitewashed away but the truth always comes back around and sometimes it connected to food history.
As the daughter of immigrants from Asia, it feels strange knowing what I know now about Canadian history and Turtle Island, as well as the genocide and slavery included in building Canada. It was whitewashed away but the truth always comes back around and sometimes it connected to food history.
September 30, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This was an interesting book about the history of making maple syrup in Canada. It touched on very early syrup making by Indigenous Peoples, to current day practices and impacts of factors such as climate change. I learned more about the different processes that some producers use for making syrup, as well as the recent pressures and regulatory pressures that makers have to deal with. I also enjoyed the stories that are included, such as the Maple Syrup heist, and learning more about the people who taste the syrup at the Reserve.
This was an interesting book about the history of making maple syrup in Canada. It touched on very early syrup making by Indigenous Peoples, to current day practices and impacts of factors such as climate change. I learned more about the different processes that some producers use for making syrup, as well as the recent pressures and regulatory pressures that makers have to deal with. I also enjoyed the stories that are included, such as the Maple Syrup heist, and learning more about the people who taste the syrup at the Reserve.
November 24, 2025
A truly fantastic read. From exploring the First Nations origins of maple syrup to the inner workings of large corporate producers, and everything in between, Kuitenbrouwer paints a picture of an industry steeped just as much in tradition as in deception and greed. Although full of information, the book reads like a narrative journey through this sweet industry, weaving Kuitenbrouwer's own life experiences in with stories of the maple syrup world. I rarely read non-fiction but could not put this book down. I highly reccomend it to anyone who has ever tasted maple syrup.
December 22, 2025
Read it because I convinced myself to read more Canadian, but it turns out that I don't care as much about maple syrup as I thought. Still interesting to hear the lay of the land and some of the facts about such a famous Canadian product. There's some interesting business/government takes near the end, but I don't know if I'd recommend to someone who isn't already sold on Maple Syrup being interesting on its own.
October 28, 2025
A fun read about a tasty topic. I learned a lot about maple syrup and about Canada, too (largest producer of maple syrup in the world). A good combination of memories, science of farming and harvesting maple syrup, as well as an interesting crime story.
Thank you to libro.fm for a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
Thank you to libro.fm for a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
December 22, 2025
A great historical review of Canadian Maple Syrup industry. Quebec does dominate the industry in Canada and the World which is amazing.
October 17, 2025
An at times sweet, full informative book on a staple of breakfast tables across the word. This book focuses on various chapters of Maple Syrup's past, present, and future, running from indigenous practice, heists, legal cartels, climate change, and all the way to just frolicking through the snow-covered forests. The author has a very playful style, his biographical notes always present, but never diminishing from the topic. I did at times feel like the book could be structured better, and I wish it had a wider focus than just Canada. Despite that, Kuitenbrouwer has written a solid, easy to indulge in, romp on a topic everyone could learn more about.
[Thanks to Libro.fm and Doubleday Canada for providing me with the advance audio book copy]
[Thanks to Libro.fm and Doubleday Canada for providing me with the advance audio book copy]
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