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Answers: I have a can of Coopers Malt Extract that a friend gave me some 2 or 3 years back. Mostly I brew using a bag in box brew kit, but I came across the can when cleaning and thought I'd give it a try. I noticed the wort smells a bit, well 'swampish' is the only word I can think of. There is no expiry date on the can, so I have no idea of how old it is.
Has any one noticed if Coopers always smells this way? Could it have gone bad, and how can you tell? I have heard that some canned goods, especially acidic ones, can turn toxic in the can, but I've always thought that was spoilage, and the inside of the can showes no corrosion.
I've seen it written that if you can get it to ferment, it will not hurt you. Can anyone prove or disprove this statement?

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I've used coopers a number of times as add-on to partial mash brews.

I dont think its supposed to smell swampish, though. But, I can say, I've never had malt go bad on me. Even had a 3.3lb box that was about 5-8 years old (store didnt know how old) that they sold on clearance for $2. Used that in the imperial stout I have brewing now. If the can was bulging in any way, perhaps it went bad, or was contaminated.

Was it a can of hopped malt extract, or just malt extract. Without the hops, your beer will be missing its preservatives.

How did the wort taste after boil had been going for awhile? I can usually tell how my brew will turn out, when made, just by taste. For all of your homebrewing, taste at each step, so you get a feel for what your making.

After it ferments awhile, I guess you'll find out.

Also. There are no know bacteria or molds that can live in fermented beer. (From Charlie Papazian's book) That is, as long as there are hops in it.

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