Bourbon Storage/Display Shelf Height

[Underhilltab]

Any thoughts on the optimal space/height between shelves for storing bourbon (or other whisk(e)y)? I've noticed that the tallest bottles/boxes generally seem to be about 14" in height. I'm working on a shelving project and I'm trying to decide how many shelves I want in a certain space -- which, of course, is in part dependent on the height in between the shelves. If I do 18" or 20" inches between the top couple/few shelves, then the lower shelves will need to have far less height in between (e.g, 12"/13") -- which means the taller bottles cannot fit on the lower shelves. If I try to make it so the taller bottles could go on any shelf, then I likely would have very little, if any, clearance between the top of the taller bottles/boxes and the start of the next shelf. Do you guys care about having plenty of clearance space above the top of the bottle/box or do you just care about the bottle/box fitting in the space period (or do you think I'm nuts and not care about any of this)?

Any other thoughts, concerns, tips, advice re: bourbon shelving in general?

I apologize in advance if (a) this line of questioning is too esoteric even for this board (I doubt it), and ( if this post belongs elsewhere.

Thanks.

[chrisg]

When I built my shelves I made them adjustable that way you can always make changes. The tallest bottles I have are CEHT, Smooth Ambler, BTAC. I just made sure I had an extra inch for those.

[dcbt]

I was going through these iterations when looking for a home bar recently as well. What do you generally buy? How much 14" bottles do you have? The BTACs are up there, ER10, the Taylor line, Bookers, are all very tall bottles as you probably know. If you don't foresee adding a ton of these, you could do one tall shelf and the rest shorter. Would you be able to squeeze an extra shelf in this way? If not, if you'd have the same number of shelves going all tall vs some tall and some short, I'd recommend just doing all tall and then you never have to worry about it. Clearance between top of bottle and bottom of shelf doesn't really matter IMO. But if you are able to squeeze in an extra shelf but varying the heights, that extra storage might come in more handy...

[Richnimrod]

that extra storage might come in more handy...

AND HOW!!!

My shelves are of varying heights, and the closest ones are about 10" from shelf surface to shelf bottom. That works only for a few brands, like ET Lee, HHSS, B'Day Bourbon, etc. The rest are either open on top (no shelf above, so they work for the tallest ones) or are about 13", which allow most ordinary bottles in and out. I find the variability is usually a benefit, except when I stock up on some that won't fit in the smaller ones, and there's no space left on larger ones.... then I have to find closet space for 'em. That's become scarcer & scarcer, as you can imagine.

The next storage project? Maybe a small room addition... 12' X 20'? Yeah, that will just about do it. :bigeyes:

[jvd99]

Leave some extra room, like 2-3 inches for the tall ones, or make them adjustable enough for more room than you might initially think. If you're going to add any scotch to the cabinet, some bottles are taller than bourbon bottles and with packaging they can get ridiculously tall. But you could just lay them on their side;)

[nd2005]

Along these lines -

Any recommendations for a cheap but sturdy metal/wire storage shelf system?

My storage closet is getting a bit cluttered...it's time to reorganize the bunker!

[Harry in WashDC]

Along these lines -

Any recommendations for a cheap but sturdy metal/wire storage shelf system?

My storage closet is getting a bit cluttered...it's time to reorganize the bunker!

For over 40 years, my anal retentive wife has been trying to teach me that "just inside the front door" is not a storage area. Several years ago, "we" decided to put more and better shelving in her closet (which had the usual 1"X12" shelf with a 2" diam wooden dowel hanging under it). She chose Container Store's Elfa. So during the (semi?)annual sale, we designed shelving, purchased parts, then installed it ourselves. Turned out to be easy to do AND CS was really good about letting us exchange some 12" deep shelving we bought for 16". After adjusting the shelf and hanging rod arrangement several times, I liked it enough to suggest letting me put up new shelving in our utility/laundry room. I got exclusive use of the upper shelves (which she couldn't reach, anyway). Enough space up there for tall bottles between the stringers. We readjusted them several times until we got an arrangement we liked. My BBQ stuff is in woven metal baskets that slide in and out, and we have a section with spirits and my open sippers. IN SUM: I think it was worth the cost.

A less expensive option are wheeled Metrokane carts (also sold at CS I think) - pick and choose the heighth of the rods and width and length of the adjustable shelves.

[tanstaafl2]

Along these lines -

Any recommendations for a cheap but sturdy metal/wire storage shelf system?

My storage closet is getting a bit cluttered...it's time to reorganize the bunker!

I have posted in the past the wire shelving system I use. The shelves are wire baskets so that there is little risk of bumping it in a cluttered basement and watch some part of my bunker crash to the concrete floor!

Got it at The Container Store and the brand is called InterMetro. They are restaurant grade I think and I believe someone mentioned seeing similar but less expensive brands at the warehouse stores like Sam's.

I cut a sheet of particleboard to line the bottom of the shelf and it works well. Kind of a blurry picture but it shows the concept.

[BigRich]

I have posted in the past the wire shelving system I use. The shelves are wire baskets so that there is little risk of bumping it in a cluttered basement and watch some part of my bunker crash to the concrete floor!

Got it at The Container Store and the brand is called InterMetro. They are restaurant grade I think and I believe someone mentioned seeing similar but less expensive brands at the warehouse stores like Sam's.

I cut a sheet of particleboard to line the bottom of the shelf and it works well. Kind of a blurry picture but it shows the concept.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]18691[/ATTACH]

I essentially of the same except mine came from Home Depot.

[Underhilltab]

Thanks for the replies. I was considering whether to fit a 5th shelf in the space, but I think I'll go with four shelves and have more height per shelf.

I was thinking we could have a show us your set-up type thread -- but I guess show us your stash pretty much covers it except when people take the stash out for posing away from the storage area.

[Harry in WashDC]

Yes. InterMetro, not MetroKane. We have one for my toolboxes and one for her gardening stuff that roll under the wall shelves.

[nblair]

I essentially of the same except mine came from Home Depot.

Mind sharing the name or SKU of the similar unit at Home Depot? I can't seem to find any with the deep, basket like, shelves...I wouldn't feel safe putting my collection on anything less secure. :grin: