extract beyond 'best by' date

[Morejello]

So, I happened across an unopened Mr. Beer refill kit at a local thrift store today for $2 (of course I bought it). It had 2 cans of extract and 2 yeast packets to make a 2 gallon batch of their oatmeal stout, which I figured I'd just use to boost up some random future kit I buy. The 'best by' date on the bottom of the cans is 4 years past, and I've heard some people say that the malt syrup goes funky after a while.

What's people's opinions on using an extract that is so far beyond it's date?

Note- If I don't make beer to drink, I'll just make a 2 gallon batch of stout and use it for malt vinegar.

 

[GHBWNY]

If you aren't that concerned about the possibility of it having darkened, maybe having some off-flavor, or if it's hopped, having lost some potency, then go for it. You could mix a little bit in some water and taste it. If it tastes OK, chances are it would make a drinkable beer. Obviously, don't use the yeast.

 

[Calder]

Just use it as is (+new yeast) to make a 2 gallon batch. Don't waste any new/decent ingredients on it in case there is any problem with it. Don't ruin a decent beer by using it to add to another brew!

Sure add some more hops, or a little extra extract, but certainly don't invest any significant $s in anything you make with it. The extract may be perfectly fine, but it could also have the 'extract twang' which seems to come from old LME in cans. Until you use it, you will not know how it is.

If you don't want to invest in new yeast, use a little slurry from your latest batch of ......... well, anything.


I have a can of Mr. Beer extract (Octoberfest) that is about 5 years old. I can't bring myself to ditch it, but I can't bring myself to use it either. I suspect I will still have it in 5 years time, and still be unsure what to do with it.

 

[seabrew8]

$2? I would just brew it has is. I bet the yeast will work fine. If not just pitch some other stuff. Yeast is a lot more robust so to speak then i believe most think.

 

[unionrdr]

As for my own experience, I went to the lhbs to get some brewing supplies. Bought a Cooper's OS Lager can, DME, etc. Well, it turned out to be 2 years old & instead of coming out like this;

It came out like this. I put the 7g yeast packet in a small starter & wound up with this;

About the same color & flavor as the Paulaner Salvator Doppel Bock. A happy accident that time...I sent 2 bottles to Gary @ Home Brewer TV, & it got 3 thumbs up against a commercial ale!

 

[bucfan1234]

I have also brewed a coopers can I bought from my LHBS that was well past the date, 8 months or so. Coopers wheat.

I used it and the yeast as part of a Blue Moon Type recipe, and the beer turned out fine. It was also darker than it was supposed to be, but for this brew, it didn't really matter.