Grain shelf life and buying in bulk?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by InVinoVeritas, Sep 25, 2014.

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  1. InVinoVeritas

    InVinoVeritas Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2012 Wisconsin

    I saw the thread on bulk grain storage. Stored properly, how long do unmilled grains last, a year? The breakeven point is about consuming half of the grain bulk purchase.
     
  2. WanderingFool

    WanderingFool Pooh-Bah (2,136) Aug 7, 2002 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah

    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.
     
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  3. bgjohnston

    bgjohnston Initiate (0) Jan 14, 2009 Connecticut

    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.
     
  4. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    "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!
     
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  5. bevoduz

    bevoduz Initiate (0) Oct 29, 2007 Illinois

    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!
     
  6. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,295) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    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
     
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