The Best Smoked Maple Syrup Brands: A Taste Test & Recipe Guide
Discover the boldest bottles, compare flavor notes, and learn how to cook with smoky-sweet magic.
Maple syrup, with its woodsy aroma and golden pour, is already a celebration of the forest. But when it’s kissed with smoke? That’s when something primal stirs. Today, smoked maple syrup is finding its way into bourbon cocktails, roasted vegetables, and even backyard barbecues.
Here at Dragonfly Sugarworks, we’ve tapped, boiled, and tasted more syrups than we can count—but smoked maple syrup still feels like a fresh frontier. I gathered two standout brands—Runamok Smoked Maple Syrup and Crown Maple Bourbon Barrel Smoked Syrup—for a side-by-side taste test and recipe showdown. Whether you’re a brunch enthusiast or a backyard pitmaster, this guide will help you choose the best bottle for your kitchen.
What is Smoked Maple Syrup?
Smoked maple syrup is exactly what it sounds like: pure maple syrup infused with wood smoke—often hickory, oak, or pecan. The result? A velvety, sweet syrup with deep campfire notes that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Unlike artificially flavored syrups, smoked maple stays rooted in nature.
The smoke infusion typically happens through:
- Cold smoking (without heat): for delicate, nuanced flavor
- Barrel aging: where smoke lingers from bourbon barrels or charred wood
- Hot smoking: adding a punchier, bacon-like aroma
Smoked Maple Syrup Brands: Runamok vs Crown Maple
🥇 Runamok Smoked Maple Syrup
Vibe: Small-batch artistry, with a culinary-forward flair
Smoke Source: Pecan wood, cold-smoked
Origin: Vermont, USA
Tasting Notes:
The aroma hits first—warm pecan, a whisper of char, and that unmistakable Vermont sweetness. On the tongue, Runamok balances gentle smoke with rich Grade A amber syrup, letting both shine. Think: smoked almonds meets crème brûlée.
Best For:
- Glazing salmon or pork belly
- Mixing into smoky Old Fashioneds
- Drizzling over aged cheddar or brie
Pros:
- Balanced smoke, not overpowering
- Sustainably sourced
- Beautiful packaging for gifting
Cons:
- More delicate—may get lost in bold barbecue rubs
Read more about maple syrup grades here.
🥈 Crown Maple Bourbon Barrel Smoked Syrup
Vibe: Rustic refinement with a bourbon backbone
Smoke Source: Charred oak barrels (bourbon-aged)
Origin: Dutchess County, New York
Tasting Notes:
Right away, Crown Maple feels deeper and darker. The bourbon barrel influence lends notes of vanilla, charred oak, and molasses. The smoke is more aggressive than Runamok—like the final sizzle on grilled ribs.
Best For:
- BBQ sauces and marinades
- Ice cream or pecan pie toppings
- Savory glazes (hello, smoked maple bacon)
Pros:
- Bold, bourbon-scented complexity
- USDA Organic
- Versatile for both cooking and cocktails
Cons:
- Might overwhelm lighter dishes
Explore bourbon barrel maple syrup in more depth here.
Side-by-Side Taste Test Summary
| Feature | Runamok Smoked | Crown Maple Smoked |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke Strength | Mild, nutty | Bold, bourbon-rich |
| Best Use | Cheese boards, cocktails | BBQ, desserts |
| Flavor Notes | Pecan, caramel, subtle char | Vanilla, molasses, heavy oak |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$$ |
| Packaging | Sleek glass bottle | Sturdy bottle, classic look |
Takeaway:
- Go with Runamok if you want a refined, gourmet touch.
- Choose Crown Maple if you’re cooking for a smoke-loving crowd.
5 Smoky-Sweet Recipes You’ll Want to Try
Whether you’re adding flair to Sunday brunch or impressing your dinner guests, smoked maple syrup unlocks new dimensions of flavor. Here are five Dragonfly-approved recipes to get you started:
1. Smoked Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Best with: Crown Maple
Toss roasted Brussels with smoked maple, olive oil, and flaky salt for an addictive side dish.
2. Pecan-Smoked Maple Old Fashioned
Best with: Runamok
2 oz bourbon, ½ oz Runamok Smoked, dash of bitters. Stir with ice, garnish with orange peel.
3. Grilled Chicken Thighs with Maple BBQ Glaze
Best with: Crown Maple
Whisk smoked maple, mustard, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Baste on grilled chicken for a glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
4. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Smoky Maple Drizzle
Best with: Either
A drizzle of smoked maple syrup over ice cream brings instant elegance.
5. Savory French Toast with Smoked Maple Bacon
Best with: Runamok (on toast), Crown (on bacon)
Layer flavors by using both brands strategically—delicate on the bread, bold on the meat.
Curious about pairing maple with savory dishes? Check out this guide.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Smoked Maple Syrup
When shopping for smoked maple syrup, here’s what to keep in mind:
- ✅ Grade A Amber Syrup base (for depth and clarity)
- ✅ Real smoke infusion, not artificial flavor
- ✅ Transparent sourcing and sustainability practices
- ✅ Glass bottle packaging to preserve taste
Learn about the different grades of maple syrup here.
Where to Buy
You can find both brands online or in gourmet grocery stores:
Want more maple gift ideas? Visit our Vermont maple gift guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Maple Syrup Brands
What does smoked maple syrup taste like?
Smoked maple syrup has the natural sweetness of pure maple with added notes of wood smoke—ranging from nutty and light to bold and bourbon-like. The smoke enhances both sweet and savory applications.
Is smoked maple syrup natural?
Yes—high-quality smoked maple syrup uses natural smoke or barrel aging techniques. Avoid syrups with “smoke flavor” additives if you want an authentic experience.
Can I cook with smoked maple syrup?
Absolutely. Use it to glaze meats, caramelize vegetables, or sweeten cocktails. It’s also delicious over baked goods and cheeses.
How should I store smoked maple syrup?
Once opened, keep smoked maple syrup in the refrigerator. It can last up to a year if properly sealed and chilled.
Which brand is better—Runamok or Crown Maple?
Both are excellent. Choose Runamok for delicate, gourmet pairings and Crown Maple for bold, bourbon-smoke flavor ideal for grilling and rich desserts.
Final Thoughts: Which Smoked Maple Syrup Should You Try First?
If you’re new to smoked maple syrup, Runamok’s pecan wood-smoked syrup is a gentle and gourmet way to begin. Its subtle balance works wonders in cocktails and on soft cheeses.
Looking to turn up the volume? Crown Maple’s bourbon barrel smoked version brings big, smoky flavor that holds its own in bold marinades and BBQs.
Either way, you’re not just buying syrup—you’re adding a whole new sensory layer to your kitchen.
🍁 Ready to bring smoke to your syrup game?
Try Runamok Smoked Maple Syrup or Crown Maple Smoked Syrup today—and let your pantry crackle with flavor.
