How fresh should brewing ingredients be?
Liquid malt extract should be very fresh or it can result in a harsh flavor sometimes called “extract tang.” Dry extract should last several years if kept away from moist environments. Uncrushed grain will keep for a year or more in a relatively cool, dry place. Crushed and flaked grains should be used within a few months at most. Hops should be kept cold and out of the air, preferably in sealed bags in the freezer. The alpha acid levels decrease with time, especially at warmer temperatures. Liquid yeast should be used within a few months of the date stamped on the package. It should be stored refrigerated but not frozen. It is recommended to refrigerate and use dry yeast before the expiration date.
