What is the best way to store homebrew bottles?

Store bottles upright in crates or cages in a cool, dark place. Upright storage minimises the beer surface area exposed to the air gap and keeps the yeast sediment at the bottom. Crates protect bottles, make them easy to move, and stack neatly.

Can I stack bottles without crates?

Glass bottles should not be stacked directly on top of each other without protection. Crown-capped bottles are not designed for vertical stacking. Use crates, cardboard boxes, or shelving to store bottles safely and prevent breakage.

Where can I buy bottle crates in the UK?

Homebrew shops sell purpose-made bottle crates. You can also repurpose commercial bottle crates (ask at pubs or off-licences), use milk crates, or buy plastic storage crates from hardware stores. Wine boxes work well for 750ml bottles.

How long should bottles condition in crates?

Most ales need 2-4 weeks of conditioning at room temperature (18-22°C) for carbonation to develop. After conditioning, move to cooler storage. Lagers may need 4-8 weeks. Higher carbonation targets take longer.

What temperature should I store homebrew at long-term?

After carbonation conditioning at room temperature (2-4 weeks), move bottles to a cool, dark place at 10-15°C for long-term storage. Avoid temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight. Most ales improve with 2-4 weeks of cold conditioning. Stronger beers can age for months or years.

BrewCalcs

Bottle Cage Calculator

Calculate bottle crate and cage requirements for storage.

Total Bottles

Bottle Size

Crate Type

How We Calculate This

Crate Count

Crates Needed = Total Bottles / Crate Capacity, rounded up to the nearest whole number. Spare slots are the empty positions remaining in the final crate.

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Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify values and adjust based on your equipment and ingredients.