Old bag of lactose

[sonvolt]

So, I found this old bag of milk sugar sitting amongst some of my brewing equipment. I have a stout planned for brewing later today. What do you all think about using this old ingredient. Is there any reason that the quality of this lactose would deteriorate over time. It has been sitting around for about 5 years.

Should I just throw it away?

 

[the_bird]

Is it all completely sealed up?

 

[david_42]

Lactose is a simple sugar, it would break down into water and CO2. Unless it has critters in it, it's good. (You could always sift out the critters & add the lactose to the beginning of the boil, just to be on the safe side)

 

[Orpheus]

Phew,

When I saw "Old Bag of Lactose" I was worried this was a guy complaining about his wife thread.

 

[the_bird]

That would be old BAGS of lactose (plural).

I think that's what my wife feels like some mornings...

 

[sonvolt]

The thought of the lewd nature of my thread title did not escape me upon its posting . I do, though, love my wife's lactose bags and will not throw them out even when they do get old .

As for the lactose - it looks good and it is sealed. I don't even see any creatures.

 

[Turricaine]

Sugars dont have a shelf life.