You can use maple syrup, brown sugar, etc...in any brew...but if you want those things to add flavor...well...
If you put any of those into a fermenting bucket they will not add flavor. They will only add ABV. They are all 100% fermentable. u want those flavors u either have to kill the yeast with perservatives or use an extract. Otherwise you will just increase the alcohol content.
My first batch is mashed in and the sparge water is heating.
Have I mentioned how much I enjoy home brewing?
Cheers,
knewshound