Bottle count

Definition

Bottle count denotes the total number of bottles that are filled and released from a given batch or a specific barrel. It represents the finished quantity of the product that is released to the market under a specific release.

Calculation

Bottle count is typically calculated by dividing the tapped volume (in liters) by the chosen bottle size and then rounding to the nearest whole bottle. For example, a tapped volume of 2100 liters and a bottle size of 0.7 liters yields a bottle count of 3000.

Differences in bottle sizes between markets, as well as rounding, can lead to small discrepancies in the final figure.

Factors affecting the figure

• angel's share: Loss during aging in barrels reduces the available volume before tapping begins.
• Bottling practices: Certain bottling processes or specific fill- and air-leaks in equipment can cause small volume differences.
• Barrel-/batch splits: If a barrel or batch is split across several bottlings, each sub-project may have its own bottle count; the total number across all sub-projects can be larger than for a single bottling.
• Variation in market sizes: Differences in bottle sizes between markets affect the number of bottles from the same tapped volume.

Example

A batch bottled at 0.7 L per bottle with a total of 2100 L yields 2100 / 0.7 = 3000 bottles. A batch of 1500 L bottled at 0.75 L per bottle yields 2000 bottles.

Application

Bottle count is used in documentation, labels and accounting for releases, and enables traceability of the quantity in distribution and storage.

See also

• Batch
• Barrel
• Label