Out of date kits.

[smok3y666]

I made a barley wine kit up yesterday. Being laid up my brain wasn't working and the sell by date was March 2007 (I forgot it was 2008) so I made it up thinking it had just gone out of date. Anyhow I have realised my error this morning and want to know if it might be okay? It's got a good head on it in the fermenter and it smells okay but it's 1 year passed it's best apparently. Anyone?

[evilsoc]

My guess would be that the hop flavour and aroma wouldnt be at its best but I certainly wouldnt dump it.

[Buzz]

I'm a good customer down my local HB shop and he sometimes let me have any out of date stock for free. I've never had a problem with any of the kits (although I always replace the yeast).

It's only the fermentation that could pose a problem, the kit will taste fine. Don't panic

[sparky Paul]

The main problems you will encounter are slight darkening of the extract over time, and dud yeast. I've not noticed any problem with hop flavour or bitterness, but I usually add extra hops anyway.

I've done kits over 5 yrs out of date without any problems. I used a new yeast, but out of interest I did try the old yeast in some warm water with a spoon of sugar, and it set off like a good 'un!

If I can find short dated kits cheap, I buy them. Free is even better!

[stevezx7r]

Yeah, same here. I've made a couple of kits several years past and other than replacing the yeast it went fine.

It was my first, an Almondbury Old iirc. Brings a tear to me eye, it does.

[smok3y666]

It's fermented and is now barreled in the lovely 2.25 litre keg I got from Freecycle. I'll be drinking it in about 3 weeks so i'll let you know how it got on.

[eyvindur]

I brewed an IPA kit a few weeks ago, and the yeast expired in June 2007, but I didn't have any extra so I just pitched it anyway. Fermented like a beast and it tastes divine. So I'm sure yours will taste at least somewhat heavenly.

Cheers

[MightyMouth]

My last 2 kits, a JB lager and a JB bitter, were well out of date and came with a bunch of kit I won on ebay. With fresh yeast they both turned out fine but seem a bit lacking in hoppiness but as I never brewed these with a fresh kit that may just be the way they are. Definately drinkable anyway.

[smok3y666]

Well, im suppin' half a pint atm and I must say it's really nice. The only thing i'm worried about is it doesn't seem particuarly clear. Never drank Barley Wine before so I don't know if that's normal or not. Gonna make another one of these again.