Specialty Grains Life Shelf? 3+ years

Brewing Processes
1

I have crystal 60, 80, 120; special B and black patent … all of which are 3+ years old.

I am making a RIS.

None of these would be showcased but comprise 2-3% of the grain bill.

Do you think these would be ok to use?

For those of you who would suggest a taste-test … do you know any key/dominant flavors I might expect had they gone bad?

Thanks so much!

2

I have some 2 year old chocolate malt which I have used on my last 3 batches. It tastes great. I know that’s not 3 years, but, it’s a data point. Take it for what it’s worth.

3

I sometimes use specialty grains that are “old”.  I usually chew a few kernals of grain to make sure they are not mealy.  Crystal malt should have a hard texture, if it breaks easy in your teeth and has a kind of dry oat meal texture, I would not use it.  Otherwise, if the texture is good (and the flavor is good) I say use it.

I have had some malt that got humid… and I tossed it due to it having the funny texture.

Good luck!

4

Ok, so I have tasted all of them and none are offensive. In fact like all of them. They do seem soft. I have some fresh crystal 60 … and though it’s been milled and the old stuff is whole-grain … the milled-new-stuff does seem ‘harder/crisper’ and more fresh.

Bottom line, I’m brewing tomorrow and I don’t have access to anything else other than these older grains. I think I’m going to add them. My guess is that they will only be muted but will at least add something … I don’t think they will lend offensive flavors.

Thanks … and I’d still be interested to hear others’ thoughts.

5

+1 to above.  If they are still firm and have been kept in a dry airtight environment, then you may be okay.

Although, if it were me and I was brewing a big RIS that will be consumed over a year+, I would get some fresh grains for this. Since you are already putting in a lot of money, work, and time why not make sure the batch can come out the very best you can make it?

6

I’ve used specialty grains of ~ 2 years old, not more. I always give the chew/taste test when they get that old, to be sure the texture and taste is ok.