Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol is typically stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. The ideal room temperature for storing alcohol varies depending on the type of beverage. Generally, distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila can be stored at room temperature, while lower ABV bottles, fortified wines, and creamy liqueurs are better stored in the fridge. Throughout history, alcohol has been stored in various places, from wine cellars and wine rooms to cabinets and shelves in bars and restaurants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Wine cellar, wine room, wine closet, buttery, cellarette, back bar, bar |
| Location | Underground, above-ground, basement, or dark storage room |
| Temperature | Cool, preferably between 7–18 °C (45–64 °F) |
| Lighting | Dark |
| Humidity | Constant |
| Alcohol stored | Wine, liquor, champagne, spirits, liqueurs, beer |
| Bottle position | Unopened wine bottles on their side, liquor bottles upright |
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What You'll Learn
Wine cellars
A wine cellar is a room for storing wine, typically in bottles or barrels, but also in carboys, amphorae, or plastic containers. Wine cellars protect wine from potentially harmful external influences by providing darkness, a constant temperature, and constant humidity. Wine is a perishable food product that can spoil if left exposed to heat, light, vibration, or fluctuations in temperature and humidity. However, when properly stored, wine can improve in aroma, flavour, and complexity as it matures. Wine cellars can be either active or passively cooled. Active wine cellars maintain important factors such as temperature and humidity through climate control systems, whereas passive wine cellars are not climate-controlled and are usually built underground to reduce temperature swings. The ideal temperature for wine storage is considered to be around 13 °C (55 °F), which is similar to the temperature found in the caves used to store wine in France.
The term "wine cellar" can refer to a dedicated room, a basement, a subterranean space, or even a small closet, depending on the number of bottles being stored. Some sources consider a small wine cellar of fewer than 500 bottles to be a "wine closet" or "wine room" if it is aboveground. In medieval times, the household department responsible for the storage, care, and service of wine was called the "buttery".
In addition to wine cellars, there are also smaller pieces of furniture designed for storing alcoholic beverages, known as "cellarettes" or "cellarets". These wooden containers first appeared in Europe in the 15th century and were used to secure alcoholic drinks in public houses. They later became popular in colonial America in the 18th century and remained common through the 19th century. Cellarettes were often decorative and featured security features such as locks.
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Climate control
Alcohol is typically stored in a wine cellar or a wine room. Wine cellars are often built underground to reduce temperature swings and protect alcoholic beverages from harmful external influences. Wine rooms are aboveground and are used for storing fewer than 500 bottles.
Spirits such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila can be stored at room temperature, although some experts recommend a slightly cooler range of 55 to 60°F (13 to 15.5°C). Fortified wines and cream-based liqueurs, on the other hand, should be kept in the fridge.
In addition to temperature, humidity is also a factor to consider when storing alcohol. While some debate the importance of humidity, low humidity can cause organic corks to dry out and disintegrate. Ideal humidity levels for storage are considered to be between 50 and 70%.
To maintain the desired climate conditions, it is recommended to use a hygrometer and thermometer to periodically check the temperature and humidity in the storage area. Keeping the lights off or storing bottles in tubs can help prevent light exposure, which can cause chemical changes in the alcohol. Regularly rotating stock can also ensure even ageing.
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Cellarettes
A "cellarette", also known as a cellaret, is a small cabinet designed to hold bottles of wine or liquor. The word "cellarette" comes from the word "cellar", denoting a small piece of furniture used to store bottles of alcoholic beverages. Cellarettes were primarily used from the 18th to the early 20th century, with their use declining after the introduction of the refrigerator.
The main purpose of a cellarette was to secure wine and whiskey from theft, as the bottles could be hidden and the cabinet locked. During the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War, army officers' cellarettes often included crystal decanters, shot glasses, pitchers, funnels, and drinking goblets. Eighteenth-century cellarette designs were used into the twentieth century and were found in taverns, pubs, and the private homes of the elite.
In the eighteenth century, a cellarette was sometimes referred to as a ""Mahogany Butler for liquors", a “wine cooler”, or simply a “butler”. The term "butler" later became standardized to refer to the person responsible for the bottles contained in a cellarette or wine cellar.
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Liquor cabinets
A liquor cabinet is a piece of furniture designed to store bottles of alcoholic beverages. They are also known as cellarettes or cellarettes and can be found in homes, pubs, and taverns. Liquor cabinets provide a dedicated space to display and store liquor bottles, glassware, and bar accessories. They are often designed with secure storage, sturdy framing, and refined hardware. Some cabinets even have lockable doors to keep the collection secure.
The history of liquor cabinets can be traced back to the 15th century in Europe, where wooden containers were used to secure alcoholic beverages in public houses. Later, in the 18th century, liquor cabinets became popular in colonial America, featuring intricate designs and ornate motifs. Over time, the focus shifted towards functionality, with modern liquor cabinets offering practical storage solutions for organizing bottles, mixers, and tools.
Proper liquor storage is essential to maintain the quality and longevity of the alcoholic beverages. While most spirits can be stored at room temperature, certain types of alcohol, such as fortified wines (vermouth, port, and sherry) and cream-based liqueurs, should be refrigerated. Keeping liquor bottles vertical is generally recommended, as it helps preserve the alcohol content and prevents the cork from disintegrating over time.
In addition to liquor cabinets, wine cellars are another dedicated storage option for alcoholic beverages, providing a controlled environment with constant temperature and humidity levels. Wine cellars can be active or passive, with the former utilizing climate control systems to maintain ideal conditions for wine storage.
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Storing opened vs unopened bottles
A room dedicated to storing alcohol is often referred to as a cellar or bar. Now, onto the topic of storing opened vs unopened bottles:
When it comes to storing alcohol, there are some key differences to consider when dealing with opened versus unopened bottles. Unopened bottles of alcohol can be stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature. This could be a basement, a wine cellar, or a dedicated storage room. The lack of light and consistent temperature help to preserve the quality and flavour of the alcohol over time. It is also beneficial to store bottles horizontally to keep the corks moist and prevent oxidation.
For opened bottles, the storage considerations are a little different. Firstly, it is important to seal the bottle tightly to prevent oxidation and evaporation, which can alter the taste and quality of the beverage. Opened bottles should also be stored in a cool, dark place, but it is even more critical to maintain a consistent temperature to avoid accelerating the degradation process. While a cool, dark environment is ideal, it is important to avoid freezing temperatures as this can cause the liquid to expand and potentially crack the bottle.
The type of alcohol also plays a role in storage considerations. For example, wine and beer are typically stored in more temperature-controlled environments, while spirits like vodka or whiskey are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations. That being said, all alcohol should be kept away from direct sunlight and sources of heat to prevent premature ageing and flavour changes. Additionally, standing bottles upright is generally recommended for opened bottles to reduce the surface area exposed to oxygen, thus slowing down the oxidation process.
It is worth noting that some alcohol, especially wine, can benefit from "breathing" after opening. This involves exposing the beverage to oxygen for a short period to enhance the flavour and aroma. However, prolonged exposure to oxygen will eventually degrade the quality, so it is important to find a balance. Additionally, some alcoholic beverages, such as fortified wines, can last longer after opening due to their higher alcohol and sugar content, which act as natural preservatives.
In summary, unopened bottles of alcohol can be stored in a cool, dark place with consistent temperatures, and proper sealing is crucial to preserving the quality of both unopened and opened bottles. Opened bottles require tighter seals and more careful temperature control to avoid oxidation and flavour changes. By understanding these differences and taking the appropriate storage measures, you can ensure that your alcohol collection remains in optimal condition for enjoyment over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol is typically stored in a wine cellar, basement, cabinet, dark storage room, or a wine room/closet if it is above ground.
Alcohol is typically stored at room temperature, ideally between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some alcohol is best stored in the refrigerator, such as wine, champagne, and lower ABV bottles.
Unopened wine should be stored on its side, allowing the liquid to soak into the cork and prevent it from drying out. Opened wine should be kept upright to reduce the surface area exposed to air.
A cellarette, also known as a cellaret, is a small piece of furniture used to store bottles of alcoholic beverages. They are usually made of decorative wood and come in various sizes, shapes, and designs.
An active wine cellar is climate-controlled, maintaining factors such as temperature and humidity. A passive wine cellar is not climate-controlled and is usually built underground to reduce temperature swings.
