Thanks for the suggestion Pops. I have tried extract in the past and it gets closer to the store bought but it isn't a real maple flavour in my opinion, it is kind of like the fake maple in the commercial stuff.
Congratulations on your perseverance!
Let me interject an idea, however. What if you tried maple extract vs. maple syrup for a more intense flavor?
This has a more maple syrup taste that is clear but not overpowering so I think I will stick with it.
As for my perseverance, She Who Must Be Obeyed has a different word for it!
Disco