As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to work with various liquor shelves and understand their dimensions. When it comes to the depth of a liquor shelf, it can vary depending on the purpose and types of bottles you want to store.
Standard shelves typically have a depth of 3.5 inches. These shelves are designed to accommodate standard-sized bottles, which are usually 750ml in volume. The diameter of these bottles can vary slightly, but generally falls within the range of 2.9 inches to 3.2 inches. With this depth, you can comfortably fit a variety of standard wine bottles, as well as most spirits and liqueurs.
However, if you have larger or oddly shaped bottles, you may need deeper shelves. Deep shelves, usually around 5 inches in depth, are ideal for accommodating such bottles. For example, 1.75L bottles, commonly used for spirits and some wines, tend to have a larger diameter ranging from 4.5 inches to 5.1 inches. The extra depth allows these bottles to fit securely on the shelves without any risk of falling or being too cramped.
In my own experience, I have come across various liquor shelves with different depths. When I worked in a high-end wine bar, we had a combination of standard and deep shelves to cater to our diverse selection of wines and spirits. The standard shelves were great for displaying a range of wine bottles, while the deep shelves were essential for storing larger format bottles and unique-shaped containers.
It is worth noting that the depth of a liquor shelf is not the only factor to consider when designing a storage space. The height between shelves should also be taken into account, especially if you have taller bottles or want to maximize the storage capacity. Additionally, it is essential to ensure the shelves are sturdy enough to support the weight of the bottles, particularly when dealing with larger or heavier containers.
To summarize the depth of a liquor shelf, standard shelves with 3.5-inch depth are suitable for most standard-sized bottles, while deeper shelves with 5-inch depth are necessary for larger and oddly shaped bottles. By having a combination of both, you can create a functional and visually appealing liquor display that accommodates a wide range of spirits, wines, and liqueurs.