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What can I do with old grain

Discussion in 'General Homebrew Discussion' started by Brewslikeaking, Jun 25, 2015.

 

  1. #1
    Brewslikeaking

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    I have some old crushed grain that's been sitting in a cabinet for about 8 months now. I know the base malt is dead taste-wise or so I was told. And the specialty malt could last 6 - 9 months once crushed but I'm assuming it is useless too. Any suggestions anyone? I'm not too proud that I let this sit here for so long
     
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  2. #2
    Kblandfo

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    make a tap handle from an old yeast tube and fill it with the grains.
     
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  3. #3
    Hello

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    Maybe make flour? I don't know if that would be great, but I'd at least try and maybe make some bread.
     
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  4. #4
    IslandLizard

    Progressive Brewing Staff Member  

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    If it's in an airtight bag it will be fine, but it may have lost a little DP, depending on storage conditions (heat). Maybe use half old / half fresh or add a few pounds of fresh 2-row, just in case or when in doubt. Total DP of your grist should be at least 30, or 40 to be sure. I've kept crushed grain for much longer and it was fine. As long as it doesn't smell or tastes stale.
     
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    JohnSand likes this.
  5. #5
    Brewslikeaking

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    What's DP
     
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  6. #6
    Brewslikeaking

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    Also they're in ziplock bags but are not vacuum sealed or anything
     
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  7. #7
    Vamptrump

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    Diastatic power
     
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  8. #8
    WI_Wino

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    Taste them. If they don't taste stale then yes them as your would normally. IME stale grains get soft, like a stale taco chip.

    Also how many pounds are we talking? If it's only a couple I would probably just throw it in with my next batch. Or even just throw it away. If it's a 50 lb sack, I would be looking hard for ways to use it up.
     
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    Toga likes this.
  9. #9
    Firewalker11

    Brewer

    Posted Jun 25, 2015
    Cha! Brew some beer? Unless you hate your grains and let them get hot and moist, they should make beer!
     
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  10. #10
    GCPHomebrew

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 27, 2015
    Make beer. Unless it's stale(soft) or smells funny, it will make beer and taste fine. Home brewers claim it's too old haven't brewed with it to know. It's not the grains age it's how it was stored that matters.
     
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  11. #11
    shelly_belly

    Someday After A While

    Posted Jun 28, 2015
    Brew it up. I got 3rd place on a Pale Ale from 9 month old crushed grain that was stored at room temp in a plastic bag.
     
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  12. #12
    kh54s10

    Supporting Member  

    Posted Jun 28, 2015
    I agree, taste them. Crunchy and no strange flavors like mold and you should use them to brew BEER!!! Most of my grain is in lock and lock type containers and buckets with Gamma Lids. And most of it is older than yours. Make beer!

    OOPS... I just noticed that it is crushed grain. Mine is uncrushed. But, still, give it a test. If it doesn't seem bad, use it. You might want to add a little in case the grains have lost potency. (I don't know if this really happens with old grain)
     
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  13. #13
    Calder

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 28, 2015
    What he said +1
     
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  14. #14
    MerlinWerks

    Supporting Member  

    Posted Jun 29, 2015
    You could always make some starter wort and freeze or can it...
     
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  15. #15
    wysiwyg

    e-BIAB squeezer

    Posted Jun 29, 2015
    Brew it up! Call it stale ale. Or procrastination.
     
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    Scriv likes this.
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