Grain storage and sourcing

[Paul Fraser]

So with a grain mill on the way I thought I'd start thinking about an inventory. I am also hoping to source from Canterbury too. I assume grains need to be kept dry and cool so maybe in bags in airtight containers? Also how long is the use by on un-cracked grain. Also where can I source grain from near Chch? Cheers

[Adam Barnes]

I've recently asked the same:

http://www.forum.realbeer.co.nz/forum/topics/grain-storage-1

I went into StorageBox (used to be Payless Plastics?) and they were selling 60L foodgrade airtight containers for $37 so I picked up a couple. The Wellington store still had three left.

I believe Gladfields aren't too far from Chch, there have been a few posts on this forum with details for buying direct.

[Paul Fraser]

Good man. Cheers for that and well done with your win. What kind of beer did you win with?

[Hamish Jones]

I just purcahsed 4 bags of grain of Gladfields, they have quite a good range now and really great people to deal with, there contact details are on the website, what are you looking at getting as I am thinking about getting a couple of varieties of crystal but couldn't squeeze a couple of sacks past the wife since she spotted the other four arrive, so could be keen on splitting a sack or two if your keen?

[Matt Smith]

Hey Hamish,

Do you have any info on what crystals and other specialty malts they have? They don't seem to have put any info on the website yet

[Paul Fraser]

I've just been on the gallery part of their site and under Oct 2012 archive they said that they almost had their new roaster installed so they may only just be getting those grains available.

[Hamish Jones]

this is the grain list they emailed me

ALE MALT
LAGER MALT
ORGANIC LAGER MALT
WHEAT MALT
AROMATIC MALT
MUNICH MALT
VIENNA MALT
CARAMEL 10-15 EBC
CRYSTAL 50-60 EBC
CRYSTAL 90-100 EBC
CRYSTAL 140-150 EBC
CRYSTAL 250-300 EBC
PALE ROAST 50-60 EBC
AMBER MALT 90-110 EBC
BROWN MALT 140-150 EBC
CHOCOLATE MALT 1050-1200 EBC
ROASTED BARLEY 1200-1400 EBC
ROASTED WHEAT 1200-1400 EBC
CARAMEL WHEAT 90-100 EBC

 

Certainly got a good range now and it's local so well worth supporting them

[Matt Smith]

Oh wow that is awesome. Cheers for that! Hopefully the homebrew stores get on board

[Tilt]

They've really cranked up their production since earlier in the year when I last spoke with them. 

Does anyone know if commercial breweries are using their specialty malts - and if so how they compare with other malts commonly available in NZ?

[Hamish Jones]

they have a list on the website on who is using it, locally I think it's wigram and three boys, I also think epic use it also,

[Adam Barnes]

There's a bit of discussion on which commercial breweries use Gladfield here:

http://www.forum.realbeer.co.nz/group/canterbury/forum/topics/gladf...

 

[Tilt]

Yeah - I remember that one from a wee while ago when it sounded like consistency was a challenge as they bedded their processes in. 

I was wondering how I'd put their new malts into my "malt comparison spreadsheet" based on hands on experience.... and if they were having any similar process experiences now with a new roaster. 

I guess I'm wanting to know how to best use their malts and any issues to watch out for.

I'm keen to support a local producer and its always good to know how to get the best from their product.

[Paul Fraser]

Sorry Hamish. Realised I didn't answer your question. Yes it would be good to split a couple of sacks. I will prob get the Pale malt , Pilsner and Munich in full sacks. How much did the sacks cost you? I will prob be looking to get some early next year.