BeerBorg

I bought a Brewer's Best kit 6 months ago. I was planning on brewing this kit in May, however, I didn't take into consideration the temperature here. The average temperature is in the 90's and it would be nearly impossible to keep a 6.5 gal pale ale in the low 70's. So I decided to postpone brewing this kit.

Now the temperature is coming down, I am getting ready to make this kit. My problem is the kit has a bag of specialty grains that have been milled. Do I use the specialty grains or should I toss them and go to my LHBS and replace the specialty grains?

Likely won't cost much to replace the grains so I'd say get some fresh grains and go for it. While many would use the old grains, for a pound or two, I'd still say why take the chance, just a few bucks and you're brand new again.

I think you could use the ingedrients if they were stored at room temp. they are sealed in air tight cans/bags. The kits usually sit on a shelf in a store room for many months. Just check the use by dates to be sure. If in doubt buy new grains the sost is not that much.

Had they not been milled, I would say use them. But since they came to you crushed, I'd have my doubts. Even though you're not mashing them, they may have gone stale. I can't say whether this would impact the flavor or body, but since that's the primary function of specialty grains, why risk it? You're not spending an outrageous amount to replace them, and if it takes the doubt out of an entire batch of beer, it's worth it, sez I.

FedoraDave wrote:Had they not been milled, I would say use them. But since they came to you crushed, I'd have my doubts. Even though you're not mashing them, they may have gone stale. I can't say whether this would impact the flavor or body, but since that's the primary function of specialty grains, why risk it? You're not spending an outrageous amount to replace them, and if it takes the doubt out of an entire batch of beer, it's worth it, sez I.

+1 The Hat is right... Change them out if you can.

Last time I was at the LHBS the guy that did my grains said he munches on the Golden Naked Oats because they taste great.

So if you nibbled on stale grain I wonder if they would taste bad the way rancid nuts do?

FedoraDave wrote:Had they not been milled, I would say use them. But since they came to you crushed, I'd have my doubts. Even though you're not mashing them, they may have gone stale. I can't say whether this would impact the flavor or body, but since that's the primary function of specialty grains, why risk it? You're not spending an outrageous amount to replace them, and if it takes the doubt out of an entire batch of beer, it's worth it, sez I.

I have to obey the hat. I'll just replace the grains.