[lonepeakhomebrewery]

A friend recently gave me 6lbs of Coopers Light Malt Extract. It is probably 4-5 years old (no dating). This extract was from a large batch put into smaller containers at a local home brew shop. I have not done an extract brew in a long time and hating to toss beer potential I am wondering about using it. I am doing a couple of all grain brews to today so could do the extract brew in a couple of weeks and reuse some of the yeast and I have lots of home grown hops so no real investment other than time if is a complete bust. But before even starting I thought I would ask about the collective wisdom. I tasted it and it still tasted good.

[kramerog]

I only use old extract for making starters and then after decanting starters.  Old extract can work in an Old Ale. 

[mabrungard]

I wouldn’t even consider using liquid extract that old if it was stored in plastic. You’ll actually see it darken. But I would hope that a can would avoid that oxidation. I can’t council you on its use, but I wouldn’t rely on it if I wanted a great batch.

[fredthecat]

really old thread, but maltose tastes good to me.

6lbs is a lot, but you could easily use 1lb for making bbq sauces, cooking with in place of sugar, flavouring, topping ice cream/desserts, making some kind of candy out of.

i love the stuff.