Life of malt extract beer kits

[Jimmy]

Clearing out a cupboard and found 4 beer kits.
Not sure how old but could be up to 20 years old.
I know the yeast will be defuct but could/should I use the tins of malt extract?
Being a scrooge I hate to waste things.
Jimmy

[4Shoes]

Clearing out a cupboard and found 4 beer kits.
Not sure how old but could be up to 20 years old.
I know the yeast will be defuct but could/should I use the tins of malt extract?
Being a scrooge I hate to waste things.
Jimmy

If the tin is not damaged or swollen then they should be fine. End of can should be sunk in middle /indented slightly to show seal not broken.


Get replacement yeast and start one off. The inside of the can should be spotless when empty. Any rust etc asking for trouble. Remember beer was created because water was dangerous.

[Jimny14]

Edible food has come out of tins far older than 20 years, if tin is undamaged and inside everything smells as it should and tin insides look brand new as 4shoes said you should be fine. Worst case scenario if you Brew it and its terrible would likely be a bad tummy for a few days and the cost of the yeast.

[Jimmy]

Hmm , at least one is bulging a bit, the bin I think.
Anyway I stopped using kits and started on the full mash.
Very involved but much better.
Thanks for the replies.
Jimmy

[4Shoes]

Could you not use it as a malt for a beer brew?

Or brew 2 cans - no sugar and see..

[Jimny14]

You can get some excellent brews from all grain full mash brewing, I used to do it in the days before kids etc. I did once have a bit of a cock up when making a very hoppy Brew, I wanted very little taste from the yeast so picked a different yeast to normal and forgot to change the attenuation % in my calculations so ended up with a very nice beer that was over 6% rather than the 5 I had planned for.

[MyWifesBrassicas]

if you are going to throw them away, dilute the contents of each tin in a watering can and sprinkle in your compost bin, the bacteria/fungi will flurrish at the nutrition added

[Jimmy]

Hmm compost sounds good.

When a do a mash brew I do it in the garage.
It takes most of the day with prep, boiling, sparging, cleaning up etc.
One neighbour complained that the whole estate smelled like a brewery.

Now I am retired I think I might do a brew.
I also have about 8 demijohns languishing on a shelf. Wine could be on the books.
Thanks
Jimmy

[4Shoes]

Hmm compost sounds good.

When a do a mash brew I do it in the garage.
It takes most of the day with prep, boiling, sparging, cleaning up etc.
One neighbour complained that the whole estate smelled like a brewery.

Now I am retired I think I might do a brew.
I also have about 8 demijohns languishing on a shelf. Wine could be on the books.
Thanks
Jimmy

Have they moved away yet. Perhaps a wee nudge is needed -

[Jimmy]

Well yes they have moved.
Replaced by a yappy dog.
Jimmy

[Jimmy]

Hmm, I wonder.
Do you think I could use the extract for slug traps.
Diluted in some water.
Used to replace beer in a jam jar slug trap.
Jimmy