One of the spirit industry’s most prestigious awards competitions, Top Shelf is the culminating event ... recognition of the category from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

From distilled spirits to vermouths, here’s a handy guide to storing your bottles—and knowing when it’s time to let go.

"In one case, a New Jersey bar allegedly mixed rubbing alcohol with caramel food coloring ... Sometimes it's hard to differentiate between top-shelf liquors and marginal brands ...