Atkins Family Sugarhouse wins for best maple sugar in state

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NORTH WOODSTOCK —Atkins Family Sugarhouse in Washington, N.H., is this year’s winner of theLawrence A. Carlisle Memorial Trophy for the best New Hampshire-made maple syrup.

The New Hampshire Maple Producers Association announced the winner Tuesday . 

After coming in second in last year’s competition, the sugarhouse took its syrup to the next level to earn the top prize, according to the association.

In preparation for the upcoming maple sugaring season, maple producers from across the state come together for the annual association winter meeting. The meeting also included the awarding the prize for best maple syrup of the previous season.

Each year, the association recognizes the top five producers. Second place went to Charlie Hunt of Hunt’s Sugar House in Hillsboro; third place to the Pat & Miranda Colby of Maple Ridge Sugar House in Loudon; fourth place to Matras Family Farm in Pittsfield; and fifth place to the Larry and Jeff Moore of Windswept Maples in Loudon.

Entries are judged by density, clarity and flavor. Any of the 350-plus members can submit an entry. The award is named for Lawrence A. Carlisle, a commissioner of agriculture in the 1920s and 1930s, who was devoted to the development of the maple industry in New Hampshire and best known for introducing the maple grading system.

The New Hampshire Maple Producers Association Inc. is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting the high quality of New Hampshire’s maple tradition. The association organizes several public events throughout the year, including Maple Weekend on March 24-25, when all member sugar houses are open to the public; Maple Sugaring Month; the Felker Prize; and the tapping of the first maple by the governor. For more information, visit www.nhmapleproducers.com.