this is my first year making syrup. As my first batch boiled I was sure I was doing something wrong because it was so light. it never got dark and the maple flavor was almost nonexistent. The flavor was almost a sweet nothing. I was sure I did something wrong. Next batch light amber, more pronounced maple flavor, then cold for several days and nights, next batch lighter, next batch darker, cold again for several days, next batch back to yellow, not as light as the first batch but very close and very subtle flavor.