What's on your mug?

Of high quality.

Theis drink has a premium price because it's made with top shelf liquor.

By Ken Blair

The most expensive liquor in the bar, located on the top shelf because it is rarley ordered.

Wiatress: Would you like our top shelf martini? Bob: Fuck not that shit's expensive.

By pinkpirate88

Cream of the crop, of extraordinary quality. The phrase is derived, not from the position of premium bottles in liquor stores, but their position behind bars. (as opposed to "well" liquors, which are stored in the bartender's speedrack well, and "call" liquors, which are popular but not displayed (and which must be "called").

Man, this Hennessey is top-shelf.

By wordtender

When someone scores a goal in hockey and puts in the top of net, it goes "top shelf". See also: top cookie

HOLY MAKINAW! He put that top shelf, right next to where mama keeps the peanut butter!

By Gilmour93

The best of the best. Usually refers to where wine or liquor are kept in a specialty liquor store. The best stuff is kept at the top for display until someone needs it.

This Don P. is top shelf.

By Denis Baldwin