Brewing Master

Question:

Paul was worrying about storing some crushed grains and John Richardson replied… You’ll really loose a lot.  In fact, not only could you forfit flavor, worst case is that the grain could take on flavors from the freezer that would be really bad.

Can’t say I really understand that.  I s’pose there might be some theoretical reason that would suggest they would spoil (like there seems to be a theoretical reason to worry about everything).  I routinely store my grains (crushed) for a year at a time at least.  I have NEVER noticed any difference between  "new" and "old" stuff.  The Czechs think their pilsner malts shouldn’t be stored above 18C (20 tops), but I’ve seen grains there that they intentionally let "rest" for a year. My experience Paul, is keep a lid on, keep them cool and dry, and grains keep "forever".  I’ve seen some people at this forum complain about syrups getting pretty weird with time– know nothing about that. Dr. Pivo

Response:

Paul, You’ll really loose a lot.  In fact, not only could you forfit flavor, worst case is that the grain could take on flavors from the freezer that would be really bad.  If you can make the beer, get it into glass and let it clear, you’ll have some time to play with.  I had an Old Ale in glass for 4 months before I bottled it…but it was a high gravity beer.  There is no O2 impermiable bag that will be "fool proof". John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I could post questions here all day, you guys are great.  I’ll refrain but I do have one for now. I have been given another Porter kit.  This one is completely different, has about a 4 pound plastic tub of syrup and a HUGE quantity of specialty grains.  The plastic bag the grains were in had broken and I emptied them all into a plastic tub.  I’m probably not going to get to this kit for three or four months as I’ve got one porter going now and I’ll be starting my Steam Beer on Monday.  So how long will those grains be fresh and useable?  Should they be refrigerated?  How about the malt syrup which is in a rubber container with a not-too-tight lid.  Rather than spoil a perfectly good kit I guess I could start it sooner, but would rather wait a bit. Paul M. Cook —   ##    ###                      ##      ###                     ###       ####                   #####      ##                         #####                                  ###                                  ##

Response:

It’s best to store your ingredients in beer form. Tell you what, brew up that porter and send it to me for safe keeping. 8^) Matt Kloepping            / / Every man that had any respect for himself would have got The Bathtub Brewery    / / of public moment. Tucson, Arizona.                                                   —-Mark Twain

Response:

I could post questions here all day, you guys are great.  I’ll refrain but I do have one for now. I have been given another Porter kit.  This one is completely different, has about a 4 pound plastic tub of syrup and a HUGE quantity of specialty grains.  The plastic bag the grains were in had broken and I emptied them all into a plastic tub.  I’m probably not going to get to this kit for three or four months as I’ve got one porter going now and I’ll be starting my Steam Beer on Monday.  So how long will those grains be fresh and useable?  Should they be refrigerated?  How about the malt syrup which is in a rubber container with a not-too-tight lid.  Rather than spoil a perfectly good kit I guess I could start it sooner, but would rather wait a bit. Paul M. Cook —    ##     ###                      ##       ###                     ###        ####                   #####       ##                         #####                                   ###                                   ##

Response: