We are buying grain in 55 lb bags. The bags actually weigh in at 57 to 58 lbs, which is nice!
What about storage? How long will the grain keep without getting “buggy”?
Are there temperature requirements for storage? Cold is better?
Storage should be cool (not cold) and dry. I buy big plastic storage tubs and keep the bags in them. Grain will easily keep for 2 years or more if stored correctly.
vittles vaults for pet food are great for grain storage
I bought some storage bins for dogfood off of Amazon, they are regularly posted on Homebrew Finds, and keep my grain in there. I just pour it directly in. They have an air tight seal and the room fills with fresh grain every time I open them. Like Denny said, they should probably be stored cool, but I just have them in my brewing area. I don’t keep the grain around long, though. Maybe 6 months max for 50lbs? But you can store it for longer than people think under ideal conditions. I think 2 years is reasonable, like said above.
Great! Thanks for the advice. Need to get some of these storage devices you mentioned.
BTW…we have been using Ireks malt with very good results. And the 55 lb bags are on the generous side!
I was wondering about the Ireks brand - I ordered a 10 lb bag of acidulated malt through my LHBS and that is the brand he got. I haven’t used any yet, since I still have some Weyermann Acid Malt on hand, but I will be using it as a pH adjustment in my lagers. Wondering about the Ireks base malts, so good to hear that you like it.
I second MattyAHA…Vittles Vaults are excellent.
Where do you guys buy your bulk grain? My LHBS closed down and MoreBeer charges an arm and a leg on shipping 50 lb bags.
Have a brewery nearby? Wouldn’t hurt to ask them. Might not get it at the same price as a homebrew shop but it may be an option.
You can get free shipping if you order 5x10 lb + 1x 5 lb bags vs 1x 55 lb. sack. The unit cost is slightly higher but it’s not near the cost of paying for a whole sack + shipping.
Having said that, if you have a brewery close they will probably sell at cost.
Even with air tight storage, bugs can appear in grain. Somehow, eggs from the field can survive the roasting process and, if left long enough, hatch and start crawling around. Unless there’s an overwhelmingly amount of them, it’s not a problem. But that’s what the boiling step is for. There’s also loads of bacteria and other things that could contaminate beer on grain.
Just brewed an APA with 2 1/2 year old Rahr 2 row pale from a well stored, unopened bag. Tastes great, got great efficiency and attenuation.