Rich Hevesi is the founder of "I’d Tap That Maple Syrup", a company built on a deep love for both crafting exceptional maple syrup and honouring Ontario’s natural beauty. Operating on a 100-acre farm in the Algonquin Highlands, Rich has cultivated a thriving operation that currently has 1,500 taps, with plans to expand every year.
From humble beginnings, Rich has transformed his passion for maple syrup into a thriving business by focusing on quality, sustainability, and innovation. His maple syrup is made from sugar & red maples on his farm, with each batch tapped during the perfect seasonal conditions, ensuring the freshest and most flavourful syrup possible.
Maple syrup production is a delicate process, requiring the right combination of freezing nights and warming days. As the sap begins to flow, Rich collects it from his taps and boils it down carefully, watching the sap transform into syrup. Every step of this process is closely monitored to ensure that the syrup is rich, smooth, and packed with flavor.
One of the defining features of "I’d Tap That Maple Syrup" is the unique range of flavours that Rich has introduced. While traditional maple syrup is the base, Rich’s creative approach led to the development of infused syrups. Hot pepper-infused maple syrup, which combines the sweetness of maple with a fiery kick, was one of his first signature products. Over the years, he has expanded his offerings to include cinnamon and vanilla bean-infused maple syrups, as well as a highly popular *chaga-infused maple syrup* that provides both a distinct flavour and additional health benefits.
Chaga mushrooms, known for their adaptogenic properties, add an earthy undertone to the maple syrup and are thought to support immune health. Rich forages the chaga mushrooms from his land, ensuring they are sustainably harvested and fully integrated into the syrup-making process. This fusion of health benefits and flavor innovation is just one example of how Rich continuously pushes the boundaries of traditional syrup-making.
Another standout product is "sparkle maple syrup", made by infusing pure maple syrup with food-grade mica powder. The result is a syrup that adds a shimmering sparkle to whatever it touches, whether it’s pancakes, ice cream, or cocktails. This whimsical product captures Rich’s playful side, offering a unique touch for special occasions or simply to make everyday meals a little more magical.
Rich’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the entire production process. Each year, he adds more taps to the farm, which means more sap harvested and more syrup produced. However, he ensures that this growth remains sustainable by carefully managing the health of the trees and the surrounding ecosystem. His farm is not just a business; it is a reflection of his deep connection to the land and his commitment to preserving it for future generations.
When Rich isn’t tending to his farm or making syrup, he enjoys wood carving, gardening, and spending time in the great outdoors. His love for cottage country is evident in every aspect of his life, and it directly influences his business. He views maple syrup-making not just as a profession, but as an extension of his lifestyle—a lifestyle rooted in respect for nature, hard work, and a desire to share the fruits of that labor with others.
Over the years, Rich has become known for his dedication to quality and his willingness to innovate within the maple syrup industry. 'I’d Tap That Maple Syrup" has grown from a small, personal project into a respected brand that represents not just great syrup, but a way of life. Each bottle of syrup is a reflection of Rich’s passion for quality craftsmanship, sustainability, and his love for the land that sustains him.
Rich’s approach to making maple syrup is both traditional and innovative, blending the rich history of maple syrup production with new ideas and techniques that continue to shape the future of the industry. His success is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a deep respect for nature, and *I’d Tap That Maple Syrup* will continue to grow, adding more taps, more flavors, and more products, while remaining true to the values that make it special.
Rich’s story is not just about maple syrup—it’s about creating a legacy that blends the best of both worlds: the traditional art of syrup-making and the modern desire for unique flavours and sustainable practices. Through his business, he continues to share his passion with the world, one bottle at a time.