Grain shelf life and buying in bulk?

I get a couple bags of 2-row at the beginning of the year which lasts me almost to the end of the year. The grain is stored in a couple plastic bins that are not air tight. I haven't noticed any degradation in quality over the time I've used the grain. I'd guess the grain would last 2-3 years if stored in a cool dry place.

 

Stored properly, as in a cool, dry place, and yes at least a year. I have kept some specialty grains for longer in the freezer, but in much smaller amounts than my base malts.

 

"Storing Malt
We fielded lots of questions about the proper storage of malt at the 2010 National Homebrew Conference in Minneapolis (June 17-19, 2010). This sounds like a topic for discussion. Please review these basic storage recommendations before replying with your question:

Malt: Store in a temperate, low humidity, pest free environment at temperatures of <90 ºF. Improperly stored malts are prone to loss of freshness and flavor. Whole Kernel Diastatic and Preground Malts are best when used within 6 months from date of manufacture. Whole Kernel Roasted Malts may begin experiencing a slight flavor loss after 18 months.

Keep in mind that moisture is dry malt’s worst enemy. Always store bags of malt in low humidity, or store and seal them in plastic bags if you live in a humid climate. Freezing dry malt will not harm the kernels, but we do not recommend it due mainly to condensation forming after it thaws. Malt that undergoes freeze/dry cycles will actually decrease in moisture. In addition, we do not recommend storing malt outdoors, even in moisture resistant containers."

Above is from:http://www.brewingwithbriess.com/blog/about/

Cheers!

 

I keep mine in 5 gallon plastic buckets and it easily lasts over a year if kept in a cool, dry, dark place. I've had specialty grains stored in an airtight container for over 2 years and still win awards, so I think it's keeping just fine!

 

Great points and advice about not refrigerating / freezing grain b/c cooling increases humidity which in turns leads to spoilage.

Freezing hop pellets: good
Freezing malted grain: not so good