How long does uncrushed grain last in a container?

[richl025]

I have a 50# bag of Briess brewers malt that I put into a sealed container (dogfood-style).

Due to a variety of sad reasons, it has sat untouched, in a temperature-controlled garage, for a little over a year.

It looks & smells OK.

Still good to use? Will I get equivalent efficiencies to previous ones?

Many thanks for any experienced advice!

 

[MaxStout]

I have a 50# bag of Briess brewers malt that I put into a sealed container (dogfood-style).

Due to a variety of sad reasons, it has sat untouched, in a temperature-controlled garage, for a little over a year.

It looks & smells OK.

Still good to use? Will I get equivalent efficiencies to previous ones?

Many thanks for any experienced advice!

Uncrushed, sealed and stored in a cool place, it should be good for a few years. Yours should be OK for a good while longer.

 

[PCABrewing]

Keeping the temp on the cooler side helps.

 

[sibelman]

Humidity can also be a factor. Maybe it's really well sealed.

 

[SFC Rudy]

I’m still using grain I stocked up on when my LHBS closed 2-1/2 years ago. No issues, still makes great beer.

I store it in buckets with gamma lids

 

[FloppyKnockers]

A year old is still in it's infancy. I have grains way older than that and they're still great. But, yeah...like everyone else said. Higher temp and humidity are your enemy.

 

[Ramjet]

Briess, just came to my home brew club meeting and I asked about shelf life of grains. At least 18 months properly stored like you are. As long as it tastes fresh you should be good to use

 

[Steveruch]

The last bag of grains I bought had a best by date two years after the bag fill date.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

On second thought. They are probably not only expired, but potentially dangerous and need to be disposed of properly. I will come pick them up free of charge and take care of them for you.

 

[richl025]

Excellent, thanks for all the advice guys!

Except for you, @FloppyKnockers - I couldn't POSSIBLY in good conscience give you something dangerous like that....

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

Gamma Seal covers on a five gallon buckets is what I use. A fifty pound sack takes two buckets. Amazon and some home improvement stores sell the Gamma Seal covers. They snap on tight and the seals have gaskets.

I have a dozen or so filled with non milled grain. Make sure to label them with contents and the date of when the bag was purchased or opened.

 

[odie]

years and years...if kept cool and dry.