Old crystal grain

[squirrell]

Hi, i have some 2 year old uncracked crystal grain. Ok to use? Its been sealed in a bag, but dont want to risk ruining a brew.

 

[barls]

have a taste. if it still tastes good and crisp, go for it.
other wise no don't brew with it.

 

[squirrell]

Thanks, but i have i have no idea how its supposed to taste.

 

[barls]

it should be crisp and sweet not soft and spongey

 

[warra48]

Exactly what barls said.

I recently threw out all my old crystal malts for the same reason, they had gone soft and slack, rather than being firm and cracking when chewed on.

 

[squirrell]

Warra, how old was your grain?

 

[manticle]

Stale like stale cereal = no good.
crisp like a lozenge is dandy.

 

[MHB]

Don't worry about the age, its the condition that counts.
In a hot humid environment the grain might be stuffed in weeks, well packed, cool, air tight the same grain could be kept for years.
Mark

 

[warra48]

Warra, how old was your grain?

Probably about 4 or 5 years. Was good for a long time, stored cool and dry.

Bought too much of it back then, but it's OK on the compost heap.

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Yep. If kept dry and cool will last ages

Should be fairly hard to bite and sweet and crunchy like, depending on how dark it is

If its like toasted muesli its ok

If its like uncooked rolled oats then its no good