How much grain do you have in stock?

[DrunkleJon]

Ah neat. Could you speculate if a similar effect is possible grain?

Unfortunately I have no clue. I have kept grain around for 3-4 months with no noticeable flavor difference (I am storing it in homer buckets with lids in my garage). I guess the question to pose to these people with their own backyard silos how long they tend to keep grains around and if they notice any staling.

 

[mikescooling]

I've one last bag of 2 row that's 8 months old. I can't tell a difference. I don't normally keep this much around, but they closed a loop hole in group buys, and we were told to buy heavy because things were about to change.

 

[newbies13]

I imagine it's pretty common for a newer brewer, but I don't have any grain in stock. I buy what I need for a batch and use it all. I am quite surprised to see so many people with 100's of pounds of grain sitting around.

 

[mredge73]

I had some 2-row that I forgot about that is nearly 2 years old; full 5 gallon bucket (~20lbs).
I cannot notice much of a difference, it still has a good crunch and doesn't have anything weird growing in it. It isn't papery like stale cereal so I figured it was still good to go.

Brewed my last beer with it; I hit all my numbers that I expected, so no loss of extract.
Because I was worried about it I brewed something that uses lots of specially grains (oatmeal stout); this turned out to be one of my best brews.

 

[grathan]

That is encouraging. I would say that %80 of my current grain inventory is over 2 years old.

 

[gwapogorilla]

I agree, that is encouraging. I want to stock up on more grain, but I know some of it will be around for 12 months, or even longer.

 

[Aunt_Ester]

That's definitely the way to do it (especially for grain). I've been trying to reduce the amount of base malt I keep on hand (2-row, maris otter, pilsner, etc) as fresher is better. Some of the higher Lovibond crystal I don't mind keeping for a while but for the base stuff I'm trying to have it used up within a year, and that's with keeping it nicely sealed:

Kal

What kind of buckets are those that have the twist-tops.

 

[mikescooling]

Gama lids, about 8 bucks per lid

 

[kal]

Correct - Gamma seal lids. Complete details and more picture available in my 'grain storage' article here.

Kal

 

[ChugachBrewing]

Dang. You should have asked me 6 months ago. Had about 800 pounds but now down to about 70 taking a small break. Just did a malt experiment so I have about 45 different varieties.

 

[Aunt_Ester]

Correct - Gamma seal lids. Complete details and more picture available in my 'grain storage' article here.

Kal

Thanks, Kal. Great write-up. I'm beginning to price out storage bins and a scale, and I may just try it your way.

 

[tripplehazzard]

1/2 a pound I'd oats. Forgot it in my ipa brew .. found it hiding in the corner of my cabinet. Lonely and ready to be extorted

 

[DrunkleJon]

Correct - Gamma seal lids. Complete details and more picture available in my 'grain storage' article here.

Kal

I will second these. They are great and you can get them in the paint section of your local hardware store.

 

[mredge73]

I got mine from here:
http://www.bayteccontainers.com/gamma-seal--14-pack.html

After shipping they are not really discounted compared to the big box stores, I saved less than $10 overall.
But the variety of colors available was attractive compared to the black ones found at Home Depot / Lowes.

 

[Oceantendency]

55lbs- Belgian Pils
6lbs- Caravienne
5lbs- White Wheat
3lbs- Special B
3lbs- Munich
Just starting my stock pile

 

[Maltyman]

About 70lbs with half being base grains. A few pounds of hops. Generally, I buy the base grain in bulk and then buy extra hops, specialty grains when I complete a recipe. Over time I develop a good library to brew from. I find that helps when I get the bug to brew and don't have to go the store for anything.

 

[timmber]

I found the gamma lids at Menards for under $7.00