Well, the Indians used maple syrup and I don't think they had refrigeration . . . <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Keep in mind that sugar-curing was a method to preserve food back in those days. As long as the sugar concentration in the syrup is high enough it shouldn't be too good of an environment for life forms to grow in. Of course if you thin it down enough you have a great culture medium . . . <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

My opinion on time before spoilage??
-- for sure 1 month.
-- probably 6 months.
-- maybe longer.