ABOUT

Clough Valley Maple Syrup is located in Clough Creek Valley, a never-run-dry, glacial, spring-fed stream that is the largest watershed in Anderson Township and a tributary of the Little Miami River. The Motz Family has made this valley their home for five generations. Founded by cousins Edmund and Matt (late), Clough Valley Maple Syrup is now operated by Edmund and Matt’s four sons (Matt Jr., Bart, Lou, and Nick).

The sugarhouse is made of rough-sawn tulip poplar, which Edmund sawed on his mill. It is a single purpose agricultural structure, similar to those found in the Northeastern United States. Our sugar bush is South of Clough Creek, on the North-facing slope. It is a relatively young bush, from fifty to seventy years old, and very densely populated with maple. Granny Motz used to have picnics here, when it was a dairy pasture with only a few beech trees. Some of these old beeches remain today.

Sap is collected in a totally enclosed pipeline system - a system made possible by the introduction of durable plastics in the 1960’s. Each tree is tapped and connects to a 5/16" plastic line. The lines manifold into larger and larger main lines, and the sap flows by gravity into the sugarhouse. There are approximately 4 miles of 5/16" tubing and 1.5 miles of main line tubing in the system, connecting 500 trees to the sugarhouse.

It takes approximately 50 gallons of raw sap to make one gallon of maple syrup (66% Maple Sugar). By boiling away 49 gallons of water in an oil-fired evaporator, the continuous process leaves one gallon of maple syrup, which is drawn off the boiling evaporator, pressure-filtered, and bottled hot. We bottle Clough Valley Maple Syrup in glass so you can see the exceptional quality of our product.

Visit us anytime during the maple season to observe the process, tour the sugar bush, and purchase delicious Clough Valley Maple Syrup. The season generally runs from January 15 to March 5 in the Ohio Valley Region. This one-of-a-kind local product is great for many to enjoy and makes unique gifts for family and friends. Visit the sugarhouse for a educational family outing!

See you soon!

Sincerely,

Edmund Motz
Matt Motz Jr.
Bart Motz
Lou Motz
Nick Motz