I’ve tried several variants of pecan pie that give noticeable differences in pie flavor, using:
Regular brown or dark brown sugar. The same with clear corn syrup or dark corn syrup. Yellow or green label molasses. Sorghum syrup for a slightly less sweet taste. Golden and aged (black) honey. Maple syrup still keeps its strong maple flavor which will really stand out at a party.
I mix half and half light and dark corn syrup. Also use more butter, pecans and vanilla than called for. It’s good but not great. Pound cake with home grown blueberry reduction is GREAT.