Tree sap is the liquid transport for trees; it's their "blood" in a way. There are 2 different kinds:
Xylem sap consists primarily of water, along with hormones, minerals, and nutrients.
Phloem sap consists primarily of water, in addition to sugar, hormones, and mineral elements dissolved within it.

Sap flows through sapwood, mainly in warmer weather.

It is unknown why sugar maples produce sweeter sap, but there is an article here which is full of information, including:
"The reason may lie in the structure of the wood where the sap is stored. If sap is collected once buds develop on the trees, it becomes less pleasing. The sugar maple has the longest period before buds develop, so the longest season to collect sap among the maples."

If you want to make some syrup and have the right trees, the article from The Massachusetts Maple Producers Association has the scoop.
Source(s):
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trees-shrubs/what-is-tree-sap.htm
http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/articles/maple.html


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