Question about bulk grains...

Our LHBS is offering a good deal on base malt, but in 55 pound bags. How long will base malt stay good, fresh, viable, whatever... if it's unmilled?

Thanks!

Unmilled is key. As long as you keep it dry and cool, it will last quite some time (a year is a completely reasonable amount of time once you get it...in addition to the fact that it is most likely at least 6 months old already). Of course you'll get some flavor degredation as time goes on which is inevitable. Once milled though, you start losing the fresh flavor pretty quick. Just make sure it is covered well so the mice can't get to it and that it is low humidity (below 60% RH is probably right but drier is better).

Months...a year, easily, in a cool, dry location.

Short answer: a long time. Long answer: If you keep it cool and dry and away from mice about 1 year.

Edit: They beat me to it.