RJ Spagnols En Primeur Shelf Life

[tbayav8er]

Hi everyone,

I just got an EP Spanish Cab Sauv, and noticed the production date was Jan 15, 2015. Do you think it's still ok? The juice smells different than other kits I've done, and the juice is darker. It didn't seem to have what I would call an unpleasant smell, although I don't know what oxidized juice smells like

 

[Johnd]

Did you taste the juice? Give it a taste if not. Kits are typically good for a year, I'm not sure what it is for the EP line, but I'd roll with it. I've done a few just over a year old with no issues. If you have any issues, your LHBS and / or the manufacturer typically stand firmly behind their products. If you tweak this kit, it will probably void the warranty, so stick to the instructions if you fear a problem.

 

[ibglowin]

Should be fine. They are supposed to have ~18mo shelf life minimum.

 

[tbayav8er]

I tasted it. Not sure what oxidized juice tastes like, but it didn't taste unpleasant to me

 

[Johnd]

If it tastes ok, proceed. You can see in Mike's post above that the EP has a shelf life of 18 months. All should be well.

 

[Dhaynes]

I've read that the shelf life of a kit is directly proportional to the percentage of juice concentrate. The concentrate acts as a preservative. It is high in sugar which acts as a natural preservative. It's just like honey which also has a long shelf life with no refrigeration. Smaller kits like the WE Vintners Reserve 10 liter or IM 7.5 liter have a high percentage of concentrate so they have longer shelf life which I understand is around 2 years. High end kits like a 18 liter Eclipse kit have far less concentrate so they have a shorter shelf life which as I remember is around 12 months. I would think the kit you have should still be good unless something weird has happened to it like getting a leak in the plastic juice bag or being stored in a high temperature environment for an extended period of time. At this point you've got nothing to lose. Cast the yeast and hope for the best.