Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

….think of it as maple syrup with a little something-something to brighten your day.

Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite places to shop because they have the best avocados and organic extra firm tofu that is never mushy even before the water is squeezed out. But, they also carry the most delicious, robust Grade A dark Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup.

Made with one ingredient – maple syrup – the Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup is made by taking white oak barrels that have been used once to distill bourbon and reusing the barrels to age Great Lakes (Michigan) maple syrup, giving the barrels a second life and a twist on one of America’s favorite all natural syrups.

As Trader Joe’s says:  “the charred oak sugars that once colored and flavored Bourbon impart their character on the rich maple syrup, and a truly unique liquid amber is created.” Smooth, slightly smokey with just the faintest hint of bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup is simply decadent and scrumptious.

Trader Joe’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup is a very special syrup so don’t think twice about hiding the bottle from the kids and taking it out for special occasions when pancakes (Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s recipe for Puffy Pillow Pancakes in the cookbook Isa Does It is a perfect complement), waffles, or french toast are on the menu (although the syrup is also delicious drizzled over hot oatmeal with toasted pecans or walnuts).

An 8-ounce glass bottle is $9.99 and makes a great gift for those who appreciate real maple syrup. Available nationwide at Trader Joe’s.