How long will grain stay fresh?

[breyton]

I have a 2+year old 50 lb bag of Briess 2-row pale malt that I have kept in my basement (50-75F) during my hiatus from homebrewing. Listening to TBN has got me brewing again and I want to know if I should dump the grain or whether its OK to use.

Its smells and tastes fine, but will grain stored this long and at temps between 50-75F still be good for brewing. I will probably dump it and get a new bag, but cheap homebrewer that I am, I hate to dump it.

[Danno]

Well, it's free so brew with it and taste the results.

Keep in mind that Barley purchased in August is a year old (same with hops). If stored like you have, it should be in fine condition.

[Speyedr]

As long as it stayed dry and is not moldy, and it smells and tastes good like you said, then brew with it. Just check it thoroughly if you're nervous.

[gfoster]

Should be ok. You said it smells and tastes fine and that's the best indicator. If it has a crisp texture when you chew it and not rubbery that's also a good thing to look for.

-- Gary F.

[Captain Kangabrew]

Why don't you send me the bag o grain and I'll tell you how my beer turns out. Of course, you'll have to cover the shipping charges.