Barry, I think you're talking new system and Peg (and I) are talking old system. Now I only lived in Mass. for a year back in the 80s so I'm not sure about this, but it seems to me that what used to be Grade B (the dark flavorful stuff that I prefer) is now called Grade A dark. My suspicion is that some media type told the syrup producers that real people would only buy stuff that was labeled Grade A. I guess if there is a Grade B now, it's probably what used to be called "reject". Of course, I'm sure lots of people prefer Grade A light (the former Grade A?), but lots of people also like lager, while I'll take porter or stout any day. Oh, well, Chacun a son gout, which I think means either "Jack has noisy gout" or "Give the goat a shaka, son."

Peg, try the Kona Coffee Council. There was a big brewhaha a few years ago when it turned out a number of distributors were selling "Kona coffee" that had less Kona in it than Hawaiian Punch has fruit juice. So now they came up with a seal certifying 100% Kona, and a new phrase, Kona blend, which means 10% (minimum, and usually just that much) Kona-grown beans.

Well, it looks like there's not a whole lot of interest in an Mudcat gathering here (not surprisingly!), but the offer remains open for anyone who comes out this way.

Aloha,
Mark