I need help from my brothers in the south

[SvilleKid]

I've never seen clear molasses. Lived here 50+ years! Kayo corn syrup is just that, corn syrup. Real molasses should come from sugar cane. What you want for the real stuff will not only say Blackstrap, but will also be "Unsulphured". That means it was made from the squeezings of mature sugar cane. Nun-mature cane is often used as an expedient, but is treated with sulpher dioxide to bring out more sugar. If it doesn't say "unsulphered", then it is treated, from young cane.

My guess at your boss' request for clear molasses would be lighter colored molasses from the first boil. That, I've never seen. But then again, I've never gone looking for light molasses. I've always used blackstrap. Doesn't mean light brown doesn't exist, just never noticed it!

Basicallt three grades of Molasses, based on how many times it is boiled for concentration. Blackstrap is the strongest, and is from the cane juice that has been reduced three times, and is thus the strongest and the darkest. Too much Blackstrap can actually be considered bitter by many, and I use it sparingly. You should be able to find any number of brands and grades of molasses in most Alabama supermarkets. Mom and Pop stores and country stores are probably more likely to have different brands than the big name brands sold by Wally-world. Publix will be an excellent choice. They tend to be higher priced, but because they are more premium brands, they will have a better selection.