Re-Post In the midst of a maple shortage, one artisan is giving big brands a run for their money!

Extra, extra! Get your maple syrup today. This small artisan business is doing reasonably well despite the global shortage in Quebec that has them digging into their reserve. 

Meet Ralph Morse, a local artisan in Cooperstown, New York, who is revolutionizing the maple market. Hidden within the woods outside of the baseball birthplace lies a small maple production run by one man. Together they make various types of syrups, salts, butter, gummies, and even woodwork. To be as sustainable as possible and care for the forest, their products are causing even a bigger roar! From restaurants to local boutiques and farmer’s markets, Ralph’s Cooperstown Mapleworks is making it hard to believe that there’s a global shortage. 

Ralph makes pure gold! He is a one-person show who can tap quite a few acres of maple trees and works way over 1,000 gallons of sap/maple a season! He also has a running system of boiling, reverse osmosis, and sustainable practices. 

Every product is straight from his backyard, the woods filled with blue tubes connecting every maple tree with the main production machinery. Ralph’s practices are strictly sustainable, from ensuring the forest is healthy by cutting down harmful trees to keeping it clean and prosperous. The wood cut down is later used to fuel the machines that power up his whole maple production.

 Absolutely nothing gets thrown away. And even the maple that might be a different color, flavor, or too hard can be used for products such as maple salt or gummies!

Ralph's products are booming, from boutiques to restaurants purchasing from him exclusively in massive amounts. So much so that, he is almost sold out for the winter season. “You can tell the difference between store-bought maple that is made from corn syrup and sugar and literally zero maples! It’s gross. We use Ralph’s maple, salts, and butter for our restaurant!” Said Julian Gialanella, owner of The Blue Mingo Grill in Cooperstown cult restaurant. With so much abundance, what exactly is causing the global shortage? 

Ralph is doing great for a small business, unlike the situation in Quebec. According to the Québec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP), Quebec produces 72% of global maple. Unfortunately, this year was much warmer than usual. “In 2021, an early thaw caused the sap to start flowing simultaneously across the province, and unusually warm temperatures in April brought the harvest season to an abrupt halt. Maple producers are at the mercy of Mother Nature.”- Stated the QMSP. But don’t worry. Your waffles or dry rubs will still be savory and sweet! Canada is making 7 million more tree taps to help offset the adverse effects of 2021. 

Despite the shortage and demands, Ralph is expanding his business by building an even bigger building on his property to tap even more trees! ”Now I am building a new sugar house, expanding, and buying new equipment, so it’s that growth process.” Said Ralph as he slaps a bourbon barrel for one of his maple products. Ralph is slowly but surely growing his business and showing New York how sweeter and more sustainable his various kinds of maple syrups and products are than a big corporation!

And, if you are in Cooperstown or have a credit card, you can get all of your sweet needs met in person or online by the Cooperstown Mapleworks!

The best-hidden Speakeasies in the U.S

Here are some tips on how to know the correct password and get the best drinks! 

Can you keep a secret? You can only go in through a hidden passage or the correct password, but once you are in, the real journey starts. Enter an otherworldly experience hidden in plain sight and enjoy the best drinks. These hidden bars, aka speakeasies, will transport you to the times of prohibitions, adventure land, spooky romantic settings, and more! Speakeasies might be exclusive, hard to find, and hard to get in. Luckily, Andiago is here to show you around and give you tips on how to get in. Just don’t tell everyone! 

Dirty Laundry, St. Petersburg, FL

From the outside, it may appear you are standing outside a cute laundromat that happens to have yummy pastries, small sandwiches, and coffee. This clever decoy hides one of the trendiest speakeasies in St. Pete’s! Take a look around and spot a sign that says “Talk Dirty to Me,” and pick up the pay phone. You will need to enter a code that might be given to you when you go in or whispered to you randomly. Once you dial the code, you will be transported into a beautiful Havana cocktail lounge with a nightly DJ, Cuban cocktails, and a fun night! Also, DL offers brunch, food options, and fantastic coffee.

Williams & Graham, Denver, CO  

Who doesn’t love a good bookstore? Especially one with a deliciously hidden secret! The only way to get into the speakeasy is by scanning through the bookshelves and finding the right book. You might want to pull on a book named Savoy which will slide the bookcase open like a mystery movie. W&G has the most original cocktail menu, 60 classic cocktails, and over 500 bottles worldwide. Their food by Chef Grant Bushkuhl is just as unique and wonderful as the drinks menu. 

Please Don’t Tell (PDT)- New York, NY

This secret bar is a New York staple in the underground. The only way to get in is by heading over to Crif Dogs, a trendy hot dog place on St. Mark’s Place. Once there, a wall will slide out with a red phone. Pick it up to get in. PDT ranks as one of the few best speakeasies globally! And while it is super classy and highly mysterious, you can have some of the best drinks and hot dogs if you please. Reservations are highly required to be able to enjoy their signature drinks.

Midnight Cowboy, Austin, TX

One of the oldest and most historical speakeasies in Austin is known as a former brothel masqueraded as an oriental massage place. MC embraced the building's history and decided to continue it as a secret bar set in the prohibition era. At first, you might think this is just a massage parlor, but if you go inside, you need to locate a red light bulb that glows. However, you will need to buzz a button with the name "Harry Craddock" outside a blank door. Inside, the speakeasy has delicious Tikki-inspired drinks, wonderful staff creations, and curations. Reservations are strongly suggested. 

The Pawn Shop, San Francisco, CA

This hidden tapas bar is everything your heart and soul desire! This pawn shop dates back to the 1900s. You will need to go to 996 Mission Street and find a golden phone to get inside. When you pick up the phone, you will chat with a shady-sounding person. Once inside, you’ll discover an incredible Cuban art deco-inspired bar. Aside from its neon lights and ornaments, the tapas-style cuisine and curated wines will take you away. We suggest reservations for big groups.