Storage

[RichardG]

This mirrors a similar question I asked about hops, namely, the best way to store grains long term. Your experiences gentlemen please!

[yashicamat]

I use two old boots fermenting bins, each has a capacity of 25 litres to the brim. I find a 25kg sack will split perfectly between the two. Plus being only half a sack each, they don't break your back carrying one about on brewday.

[RichardG]

Okay chaps, thanks for that. The message is keep 'em sealed, dry, and I would guess out of direct sunlight. Do that, and they'll last for ages.

[Aleman]

Dry is the real key, I have mine in big bins in the loft with 500g sachets of silica gel desiccant sat on top. . . . 12-24 months shelf life for crushed pale doesn't seem to be a problem

[boingy]

Uncrushed should store longer than crushed and also I think the more roasted a grain is the better it keeps, probably because you are less worried about the potential sugars from those types of grains.

Like many of us I buy my main malt, Maris Otter, pre-crushed in 25kg sacks. I'd probably be uncomfortable keeping it more than 6 months or so but I'd happily keep stuff like roast barley for a couple of years. Not that any of it gets the chance to last that long lol.

[RichardG]

Nice one chaps! I've just started out on the long road to AG heaven (or hell! ) by messing with kits and adding grains and hops. I got a 500g bag of crushed crystal and used 200g in my first experiment. The remaining 300g will get used up in my next brew or two, so won't be around that long. I've got it in a tumperware container which is in the under stairs cupboard where it will be cool and dry, as well as dark. I'd guess it'll be fine there.

[Shadoxhurst]

I got a bit carried away when I made my recent order from Barley Bottom and now have more grain than will fit into my second fermenting bin that I curently use as a grain store. As I understand I need to store the grain in a cool , dark and dry environment and apart from the grain bin the only other place I can think of is freezeer in my shed... So the question I would like to ask is... is there any reason why I shouldn't store some of my grains in my freezer.. if the wife finds out she'll be a bit upset but as she doesn't go into the shed it shouldn't matter!

[Mitchamitri]

I keep my hops and kg grains in the freezer - the hops because its best to and the grains because its convenient. Be aware that dampness is released when you take the grains out of the freezer so I am not sure of the wisdom of stopping storing them in the freezer once you have started storing them in the freezer – if that makes any sense!
My MO is just kept in its sack in the garage - I got through bag one in 3 months so storage isnt so much of a concern.