Brewing Master

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Swollen at top? Don’t do it. I would rather think that I got a bad deal at  the brewshop than run even the slightest risk of poisoning myself. I know a lot of people are going to swear up and down that it is safe, but if it was me, I would write it off. I’m with Dan on this one. I would not take a chance on swollen cans. You can always open one up and smell and taste just a little and see if it’s gone "off". If it smells and tastes ok, it’s probably ok to use, but if it smells or tastes the least bit funky, ditch it. If you can’t get your money back after having opened the can, then don’t take a chance. Send ‘em back. Quality ingredients make quality beer.

He does not appear to have openned the can, just removed the platis cover. The fact that these are swollen indicates that something in the can is fermenting the extract. If he boils the wort for at least 20 minutes he will get rid of the bacteria causing this problem. Two other problems arise from using old kits.  First is darkenning, the second is sherry like flavors in the finished product. The second of which is much more detrimental to the beer. Since they were discounted kits, you should expect them to be old. I would give them a try, making sure to boil the extract for at least 20 minutes. Good Luck, Brian

Response:

Swollen at top? Don’t do it. I would rather think that I got a bad deal at  the brewshop than run even the slightest risk of poisoning myself. I know a lot of people are going to swear up and down that it is safe, but if it was me, I would write it off. I’m with Dan on this one. I would not take a chance on swollen cans. You can always open one up and smell and

I agree with both Dan and John. He does not appear to have openned the can, just removed the platis cover. The fact that these are swollen indicates that something in the can is fermenting the extract. If he boils the wort for at least 20 minutes he will get rid of the bacteria causing this problem.

I strongly disagree with Brian. If the bacteria is Clostridium botulini, this will not do. Even if there were no harmful bacteria or toxins the wort is spoiled and will result in rotten beer. Ed

Response:

I recently purchased a couple of discounted beer kits mail order.  They have not yet, but are about to expire.  When I received them I removed the plastic cap to get at the instructions and noticed that two of the three cans were badly swollen at top. **NOTE** I’m not wanting to turn this into a bad store thread here.  I’m just wanting to know if the group thinks the kits might still be useable. After all I will be boiling the bejeezus out of it before it goes to the primary. What are your thoughts? Thanking you in advance. Sterling 92.5% Pure

Response:

You’ll be fine but most likely the beer you make will be darker than normal. Canned extracts tend to darken over time. If your making a stout or a porter you’ll never notice the difference. There is a degradation of flavor as well over time but that’s more of an issue when your past the expiration date. Cheers. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Swollen at top? Don’t do it. I would rather think that I got a bad deal at  the brewshop than run even the slightest risk of poisoning myself. I know a lot of people are going to swear up and down that it is safe, but if it was me, I would right it off. Good luck, Dan Cole – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I recently purchased a couple of discounted beer kits mail order.  They have not yet, but are about to expire.  When I received them I removed the plastic cap to get at the instructions and noticed that two of the three cans were badly swollen at top. **NOTE** I’m not wanting to turn this into a bad store thread here.  I’m just wanting to know if the group thinks the kits might still be useable. After all I will be boiling the bejeezus out of it before it goes to the primary. What are your thoughts? Thanking you in advance. Sterling 92.5% Pure

Response:

Swollen at top? Don’t do it. I would rather think that I got a bad deal at  the brewshop than run even the slightest risk of poisoning myself. I know a lot of people are going to swear up and down that it is safe, but if it was me, I would write it off.

I’m with Dan on this one. I would not take a chance on swollen cans. You can always open one up and smell and taste just a little and see if it’s gone "off". If it smells and tastes ok, it’s probably ok to use, but if it smells or tastes the least bit funky, ditch it. If you can’t get your money back after having opened the can, then don’t take a chance. Send ‘em back. Quality ingredients make quality beer. Have fun, JG I recently purchased a couple of discounted beer kits mail order.  They have not yet, but are about to expire.  When I received them I removed the plastic cap to get at the instructions and noticed that two of the three cans were badly swollen at top. **NOTE** I’m not wanting to turn this into a bad store thread here.  I’m just wanting to know if the group thinks the kits might still be useable. After all I will be boiling the bejeezus out of it before it goes to the primary. What are your thoughts?

– Life’s too short to sleep

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