Bottle storage/aging

[EndlessPurple]

I'm a beginner at mead and beer brewing having only done a couple of batches of beer and am on my first mead.

Once you bottle an ale you can keep it around 71 degrees for storage while it carbonates. How is it best to store mead once it has been bottled? I've heard elsewhere that cooler is better for wine.

My place is pretty consistently around 71 or 72, will that work or do I need something in the 55 range for long term storage?

Thanks for any input. I did not see anything in recent threads on this board.

 

[delvorak]

My understanding is that you want a dark and cool place. 50 degrees fahrenheit seems to be an often mentioned temperature.

 

[EndlessPurple]

Thanks for the reply. I wonder where everyone has a place that cool. I have a small wine fridge which I will use for some but my place is not normally set that low on the AC. hmmmm.

 

[completelyuncorked]

for fermenting I would say anywhere in the 60's. 50's will still ferment but will be slower, 70's and above Ive heard can give off flavors. I have 2 batches of mead going right now and they are going great in 68-69 degree house, for storage, out of direct sunlight just like all other beverages, and preferably cooler 50-low 60's

 

[Baabaadoo]

Reviving for some new questions about storing bottles of mead.

I'm new and just getting started, but I my goal is to get some mead bottled and aging to get a bit of inventory going. People are usually discussing storing traditional 0.75L to 1L corked wine bottles, correct? I'm not doing cork or pry offs. I'm going 100% flip top. My most common sizes are going to be standard 16oz amber flip tops and then mostly 1L vodka 360 bottles. Can I store flip top bottles horizontally on a standard horizontal wine rack or does it have to be vertical due to the flip tops? I guess I could use plastic wine bottle crates, but those would get bulky fast.

Question about the environment the bottles are in: Can they be stored long term at room temp (60-70F)? Since the 1L bottle are glass, will they be sensitive to light?

 

[Drewed]

I've read that steady temps are better, but what actual temp is best? Well there is a lot of history of wine caves and low 50's for temps, but really? I'm not digging a cave in my backyard! Sitting in their bottles in the corner of my unfinished basement will be just fine. And swing tips can go either way, but check first as they don't fit in some wine racks.

 

[Baabaadoo]

good to know. Thanks. Yeah. I'm just going to put it in my basement probably covered to prevent a ton of light.