Can Liquid malt Extract go rancid?

[tetrylone]

Hi all,

I was brewing a partial LME brew this weekend and came upon something strange. While the store I bought the LME from claimed that the LME was less than 6 weeks old, it tasted really tannic on the back end. What I mean is that it was really bitter and left a weird taste in my mouth. Does anyone know if this is normal for this type (Alexanders Pale)?

For future reference: How do you know when LME has gone bad?

Thanks in advance

 

[Donasay]

you have to try really hard to get that stuff to turn on you. I have used some moldy LME after scooping the top layer of mold off of the stuff and the beer turned out fine. After you boil it everything that could have been in there will be dead and once it ferments nothing that could grow in it will be able to kill you. So just relax and wait and see how this one comes out. You will be able to drink it without killing yourself.

 

[ChshreCat]

I'd assume it can go bad, but I don't know about rancid. Fats go rancid.

 

[Parker36]

I had a can go bad, just brought it back to the LHBS and they subbed it out for me.

 

[tetrylone]

Thanks Donasay.

I'm not all that concerned about it killing me. It's more of a concern over it ending up tasting high in tannins, or that the strange flavor will carry into the beer.

 

[IrregularPulse]

LME can definitely go bad. it is the cause for "Extract Twang". Using fresh extract is key for good extract beers. Find a shop, if available, with LME directly filled from tubs in the shop with a high turn around. Or just use DME as much as possible.