How Long are Grains Good?

[chemist308]

I took something of a break from brewing. I'm back now. I took an inventory of my grains and to be frank I had a lot. I'm tossing my opened inventory without question. Most is 2 years old. My unopened inventory is roughly this:

50# Briess 2 row in paper bag (original packaging)
Roasted Barley in sealed 1# bags from LHBS
Crystal Malts in sealed 1# bags from LHBS
Chocolate Malt in sealed 1# bags from LHBS
Flaked barley in sealed 2# bag from LHBS

Storage condition was at room temp in the kitchen pantry. I'm prepared to start with fresh grains. Before I do, do I try to use or just toss it all?

 

[lumpher]

sealed? i'd use it. not sealed? toss. probably stale, and will have bugs in it, even if they're mites you can't see

 

[brewdogskip]

I'd use them all, including the 2 Row. You'll only know if you brew with it.

 

[Golddiggie]

If unmilled, it could still be very good. If already crushed/milled, then chances are it's gone beyond... Crushed life span is ~2 months... Whole grain (as long as it's properly stored) can last far longer. You might want to invest in a Food Saver vacuum sealer/packer for the grain... That way, if you don't expect to use something within a decent amount of time, you can vacuum pack it... In a few weeks, if I have any grain left from what just arrived, I'll be vacuum packing it. I will be vacuum packing the hops (into 1oz packages) as soon as I open a package (otherwise, they stay sealed)...

If you have a cool place to store the grain, that will help too... I think I know what I'll be using one of the freezers I expect to get before spring is in full swing... One for a keezer, another for grain, hops, and yeast cold storage.

Looking forward to the day when I can decide to brew on a coming weekend, two days before, and not need to run to the LHBS for anything...