Grains

[Vicat]

How many days will my malt grain last before brewing if I buy it milled at a homebrew shop?

 

[kh54s10]

Kept cool and dry - Sealed in ziplock bags etc. A couple weeks to a month, maybe a little more.

 

[Vicat]

Kept cool and dry - Sealed in ziplock bags etc. A couple weeks to a month, maybe a little more.

That's what I like to hear. Thanks for the response.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

How many days will my malt grain last before brewing if I buy it milled at a homebrew shop?

Use it quickly, learn what stale malt tastes like; and yet, maybe RDWHAHB: at least one malt maker suggests using pre-ground malt within six months for best flavor.

 

[Sammy86]

How many days will my malt grain last before brewing if I buy it milled at a homebrew shop?

I've pushed 6 weeks with no issues...the wife went into labor two weeks early on brew day so had to push it back a little bit but beer came out as expected.

As said above, make sure it's sealed up good and there shouldn't be any issues.

 

[Golddiggie]

Get a barley crusher and you'll never need to worry about it again.

 

[day_trippr]

Yeah, but not literally a "Barley Crusher™"

fwiw, the Cereal Killer is a much better mill for 2/3rds the price of a BC...

Cheers!

 

[Golddiggie]

Yeah, but not literally a "Barley Crusher™"

fwiw, the Cereal Killer is a much better mill for 2/3rds the price of a BC...

Cheers!

I have one of the Monster Mill 2 crusher (2" diameter, hardened steel rollers) that I picked up about a decade ago. Recently motorized it to make thing easier on myself. Consistent crush is KEY. I'm more of the "buy once, cry once" mindset. I don't have any issue paying a bit more for something that's a solid product, or built like a tank. The way my MM2 runs if you reach into the [33# capacity] hopper, you might lose your hand (or arm, or body). The motor I have on it is from Monster Mill. I did have to make a riser for the crusher to get the shafts align (it's only g*y if balls touch) between them. I just made it from aluminum stock, since I have a milling machine.

For reference I had a Barley Crusher brand mill early on. Sold it when I found out about the MM products. Never looked back.

 

[bobeer]

Yeah, but not literally a "Barley Crusher™"

fwiw, the Cereal Killer is a much better mill for 2/3rds the price of a BC...

Cheers!

Totally agree! Bought mine about 8 years ago and it's still going strong. Getting a mill should be one of the first upgrades a homebrewer does imo.

 

[Golddiggie]

My Monster likes to eat!!!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2qgTWKjaajRWxnkx8

 

[smata67]

I try to use my whole grains within 2 years of purchase. Seems to work...

 

[bracconiere]

not sure but it'd probably make a diference if we're talking base malt or crystal/specialty/(flavor malt)

and if you're that worried, toss it in an oven on low for an hour to freshen it up, like spices.

 

[Coastalbrew]

Listened to an episode of experimental brewing where they tested this very question. Had a bag of crushed grain in a bag, left it in the garage for several months (I think it was like 6 months). The grain did not go stale and the beer tasted great.

Personally I have had milled grain in a plastic bag for a month before I used it and it was fine. Beer was delicious. You'll be fine.

Cheers!

 

[Golddiggie]

I would imagine that properly sealed up crushed grains have a decent shelf life. I have read the "use in under 6 months" information before. Mostly when I was looking up how long whole grain is viable for. I had a bunch from several years back that was simply too old to have enough left in it for me to use. It went to a decent home for non-brewing use.

If you're trying to plan a brew XX months out, and get the grain crushed from the LHBS, invest in a Foodsaver/vacuum sealing machine. That WILL extend out the good lifespan of whatever you use it on. Not just crushed grains but other food items.

 

[Vicat]

Get a barley crusher and you'll never need to worry about it again.

It is in the plan, but haven't got there yet.

 

[Golddiggie]

It is in the plan, but haven't got there yet.

What are you waiting for?? Xmas??

Seriously though, it was one of the top purchases I made when going all grain. Even better when I bought the Monster Mill (it's a MONSTAH!!). I had one from Barley Crusher, but it wasn't even in the same league as the one I got from MM. I would advise getting the high capacity grain hopper with it (increases it to 33#). I've pretty much filled that before.

Being able to purchase larger amounts of grain ahead of time (either a full sack, or just several pounds) for your planned brews helps a lot too. It means you're NOT waiting on stuff to arrive via shipper/delivery. Nor do you need to hope that your LHBS didn't run out of what you want. Or if they even carry it. Being able to crush the grains on brew day is also bigger than you might think. It means that not only is the crush ultra fresh, but you can tweak the recipe right up until you pour the grain into the hopper. You can even add more of what's going through it (hard to take away though).

Sure, a solid crusher isn't cheap. But when are quality products EVER cheap?? Bonus is the mills from Monster Mill are made in the USA. You can actually call them up and talk with the owner (done it).

 

[Vicat]

Awesome! Thanks for the information. I will look into it.

What are you waiting for?? Xmas??

Seriously though, it was one of the top purchases I made when going all grain. Even better when I bought the Monster Mill (it's a MONSTAH!!). I had one from Barley Crusher, but it wasn't even in the same league as the one I got from MM. I would advise getting the high capacity grain hopper with it (increases it to 33#). I've pretty much filled that before.

Being able to purchase larger amounts of grain ahead of time (either a full sack, or just several pounds) for your planned brews helps a lot too. It means you're NOT waiting on stuff to arrive via shipper/delivery. Nor do you need to hope that your LHBS didn't run out of what you want. Or if they even carry it. Being able to crush the grains on brew day is also bigger than you might think. It means that not only is the crush ultra fresh, but you can tweak the recipe right up until you pour the grain into the hopper. You can even add more of what's going through it (hard to take away though).

Sure, a solid crusher isn't cheap. But when are quality products EVER cheap?? Bonus is the mills from Monster Mill are made in the USA. You can actually call them up and talk with the owner (done it).

ll ll

 

[Kharnynb]

I've used base malts anywhere up to 3-4 months with no issues or loss of (calculated) OG.
For darker flavour malts such as chocolate or roasted, it lasts easily 6 months.