If you’ve spent the first weeks of the year cleaning out and organizing your closets, there’s a good chance your beer cellar is next. For true craft beer fans, a beer cellar is more than just storage – it’s a collection, a passion project, and sometimes it’s a little slice of history. Whether you’re saving seasonal releases or just trying to keep your favorite brews in peak condition, organizing your cellar the right way makes a big difference. Keep reading for our tips on how to organize your collection to get the most out of every pour.
What’s the Best Way to Organize Your Beer Cellar?
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Before you start reorganizing your beer cellar, take everything out. Yes, everything. This gives you a chance to wipe down shelves, check for moisture or temperature problems, and take inventory of what you actually have. You might be surprised by how many forgotten gems are hiding in there.
While you’re at it, set aside any beers that are past their prime or weren’t meant for aging. For example, fresh styles like IPAs, pale ales, and wheat beers aren’t designed for long-term storage. They’re best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
2. Sort by Style and Purpose
Once your cellar is empty, sort your beers into categories. A simple system works best:
– Aging beers like barrel-aged stouts, Belgian strong ales, and barleywines
– Drink-soon beers like IPAs, lagers, and session beers
– Seasonals like Oktoberfest, winter warmers, and summer ales
– Special releases and sentimental bottles.
Grouping beers like this helps you quickly decide what to open now and what to save for later as you organize your beer cellar.
3. Label and Track What You Have
A well-organized beer cellar has information readily available. Use tags, shelf labels, or even a simple notebook to track things like:
– Brewery name
– Beer style
– ABV
– Bottling or release date
– Ideal drinking window
If you prefer digital tools, there are plenty of beer-tracking apps that let you log bottles and set reminders for when a beer is at its peak. This can be especially helpful for limited releases you don’t want to miss.
4. Store Bottles the Right Way
Bottle positioning matters when you organize your beer cellar. Bottles with corks should be stored upright to reduce oxidation and prevent the cork from breaking down. Standard capped bottles and cans should also be stored upright to minimize the surface area that’s exposed to oxygen.
UV light and temperature swings are two of the biggest culprits of beer going bad. Aim for a consistent 50–55°F with minimal light exposure to keep your cellar dark and stable.
5. Make It Easy to Rotate
When you organize your beer cellar, do it to make it easier to enjoy, not harder. Put your “drink now” beers at eye level or near the front, and place aging beers further back. Make sure you occasionally rotate your collection so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
This is also a great time to plan tastings. Invite some friends over, crack open something special, and make room for new finds.
Leave Room to Grow with The Growler Guys
Let’s be honest – your beer collection’s probably not shrinking. Include adjustable shelves or open bins in your setup to give your collection room to grow. Making the space now makes sure your beer cellar stays organized as it evolves.
When you’re ready to add something new to your collection, The Growler Guys has you covered. Our extensive rotating tap list is filled with craft beer worth cellaring and sharing. And if you’re not sure where to start, our certified Beer Stewards are always happy to point you in the right direction. Stop in for a pint, flight, or growler fill today.
Reader Interactions