Chapter 1: The Origin Story
So what is the story of Embark? Where did it come from, who is behind it? In this blog series we're going to give a peek into the journey that brought Embark to the world.
The story of maple is never complete without giving tribute to the place where spring means sap flow, and to the people who developed the art and craft of mapleing. Maple syrup is only produced in a small band of the planet from New England to Minnesota, north into Canada and south to Ohio. Too far north and maples don't thrive, too far south and there isn't the solid freeze and prolonged spring thaw, too far west and the forest gives way to plains. In this band of maple rich forest the Native people of the Americas would collect sap and heat it with hot rocks, evaporating the water until just sugars remained. Making maple syrup is and has always been hard work, and old stories of sugaring reinforce the importance, and sweet reward, of a diligent work ethic.
Our farm is located in Hocąk or Ho-Chunk land. The US government began its attempt to remove the Ho-Chunk from this place in 1829. Despite these efforts many refused to leave, and when forced out would simply return to the land they knew as home. Finally in 1963 the US recognized the Ho-Chunk and established federal trust lands in Wisconsin, after 134 years of attempted removal. Our business profits from the lands taken from the Ho-Chunk, as well as the crop and craft developed by its people. We recognize that reconciliation requires time and effort, and are committed to showing respect for this land, listening and advocating for the sovereignty of Indigenous nations today. We encourage you to learn more about Wisconsin's First Nations at https://wisconsinfirstnations.org/
Growing up in the Driftless region of Wisconsin had a profound impact on both Eric, my husband, and I, and led to the founding of B&E’s Trees and Embark Maple.
I grew up in the Timber Coulee watershed, just a few miles from where B&E's Trees farm is today. My childhood was spent in these forests, climbing trees, building forts, learning about the plants I found, and most excitingly which ones I could eat.
Eric grew up not far away, nearer the Mississippi. He was a child that could not be contained, and his first taste of freedom was his bike. Riding through the fields behind his house he felt anything was possible.
Eric and I grew up and literally bumped into each other at a concert. Well he elbowed me, so I tackled him. Soon enough we were scheming on ways to build a life around our shared love of the outdoors and a deep desire to spend their lives doing something meaningful. B&E's Trees Farm was established with 40 acres of maple forest in 2011.
Bringing maple into new spaces has been an exciting challenge for us. There are lots of great folks making maple in our area, and we didn’t want to compete for space on the proverbial pancake. Maple is an amazing food, and its relegation to the breakfast table didn’t truly allow it to shine. In 2013 we began collaborating with Central Waters brewing Company. We slow age our syrup in Bourbon Barrels, imparting smokey vanilla tones and mellowing the sweetness with the natural tannin of the oak. The maple soaked barrels are then sent to the brewery to age their Maple Barrel Stout- two delicious, unique products of this collaboration.
When we tasted our first batch of Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, we knew we had something really special. We assembled a tiny but mighty team of friends and family and hit the road. We shared our Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup at farmers markets and festivals, highlighting its outstanding flavor with culinary and cocktail recipes. We were featured on Wisconsin Foodie, the Minneapolis Pioneer Press and won Judge's Choice at the State Fair. We were picked up by 120 independent co-ops, grocers, cheese shops and others. In 2019 our team attended over 100 events around Wisconsin and the surrounding states. Then in 2020, with a full season of events planned, just a week before our annual open house, the pandemic hit. Plans had changed…
