Buying in Bulk

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TheJadedDog

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How many of you buy your ingredients in bulk amount so you can brew when the moment strikes you?

I have been thinking about getting bulk DME as well as ordering up on some of the specialty grains and hops I frequently use and I have a few generic questions:

1) how long do uncracked grains last? I am thinking about going through and seeing which grains I plan to use in the next several months and just stocking up, will this work?

2) same question regarding hops and, to a lesser extent, yeast.

3) I tend to use crystal 55 and 60 frequently, can i switch to just using 55 and adjust recipes accordingly or will it make a big difference?

4) What are the main concerns around buying bulk DME? Will my Escali scale be able to handle measuring the quantities?

Basically I want to be able to put in large orders every few months that take into account what I think I might want to brew but be flexible for random flights of fancy. (This has all come about b/c I can't get to my LHBS on account of snow so I can't brew this weekend :mad: ).

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
 
1. Grain - a year in a cool, dry place
2. Hops - a year in a fridge, a couple months otherwise. Varies a lot from type to type. I buy once or twice a year.
Dried yeast - ditto
3. no real difference
4. DME cakes easily, keep it dry.
 
How long will liquid yeast (like Wyeast Activator) last in the fridge? I remember there is a date on the pack, but I can't remember what it was for...
 
Grains and dry extract will last longer if you can prevent air from getting to it. If ou have a foodsaver or other vacuum sealer this can as much as double your storage time, depending on storage conditions, efficiency of your vacuum sealer and the age/handling of the product before you receive it.

Plus a foodsaver is a great way to have loads of chili, spaghetti and other soups/sauces on hand in the freezer. Just yesterday I had spaghetti that I made over a year ago-- tasted like the day I made it.
 
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