How Old is Too Old?

[pnorkle]

So, a question that I'm sure has been asked before, but... anyhow, forgive me.

I'm brewing an American Amber Ale this weekend, and I have a nice shiny new bag full of Simpsons MO. I also have some leftover (roughly 2Kg) Bairds MO. The Bairds is 2 years old - no, it hasn't been cracked. Recipe calls for 5.5 Kg MO.

Do you think the 2 YO Bairds would have a negative effect if I used it with the new stuff? Or should I just turf it.

 

[Jack of all biers]

Chew some of your malt. New and old. If it crunches and tastes good then use it. If it's chewy and tastes stale then it's past its best.

EDIT - I mean compare the new malt to the old. You'll soon know.

 

[pnorkle]

Thanks Jack - I've been on here long enough I should have known that...

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

2yrs should be ok if it was stored in a dark & dry area

 

[Quokka42]

If it is stale, try toasting a bit in your oven and re-tasting. You might find it is a flavour that you can use along with some new base malt.

 

[pnorkle]

All is good - checked it before crush this morning.. tastes/feels fine. Has a definite "crunch" in the mouth.

 

[titatata]

All is good - checked it before crush this morning.. tastes/feels fine. Has a definite "crunch" in the mouth.

Great! Glad all is good. Love that "crunch".