What to do with old grain

[37OliveStBrews]

Hi all
Once upon a time I was a homebrewer who stored his grain in 5 gal buckets with gamma screw lids. 3 plus years later and two kids I am wondering what I should do with this 3 year old grain. Just dump it in the yard, trash, or brew with it. Anyone have experience with old grain or grain disposal?

 

[Lukes1040]

Great for compost if you do that sort of thing

 

[wilserbrewer]

How does it taste and smell? Does it still crunch or is it mealy?

Likely it will make a very drinkable beer is my guess.

 

[Jim311]

I'd brew something cheap with it so you're not out a bunch of money for hops if it turns out crappy, but I bet it will taste fine.

 

[iijakii]

That's what makes it an old ale, right?

 

[Owly055]

Oils in grain can become rancid, other than that, I would not be too concerned about age. Try it............ If you are nervous about it, brew a one gallon brew using a mild flavored noble hop in moderation so you can assess the grain better.

H.W.

 

[37OliveStBrews]

Grain still has same feel and smell as it did when it was fresh.

 

[brewer_in_the_cap]

Brulosopher posted recently about a brew where he used 2 year old German Pils and it turned out ok. For some reason I can't paste a link using my phone but if you search 'short & shoddy' on his site it'll come up.

 

[RM-MN]

Moisture is the bane of grains. If you kept the grains dry they shouldn't change much over time. Do some research on grains found in the Egyptian pyramids.