Here are the 15 most popular liquor brands in the US by 2014 retail-store sales (not counting liquor sold at bars) as measured by IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm. Beer brings cheer. From vodka to rum to whiskey to tequila, it's all here for you to browse! While not necessarily affordable alcohol, these brands are great for a fancy party. But let's get serious: after a long day, you want the good stuff. Most of the time people only pull bottles like these out for special occasions. Just remember that you truly get what you pay for! Top Shelf liquor includes only the best ones available; the term “top shelf” was derived from the fact that grocery and liquor stores only put these more expensive, higher-quality liquors on the top of the shelf in order to prevent people from stealing them. Water is good for you. Nevertheless, if you're looking for some fancy hard alcohol with a great taste, this list will guide you in the right direction. Alcohol in this category usually doesn’t have that “bite” that most others have; the ingredients are higher-quality, and the aging process can be different as well. Vote up your favorite alcohols below to determine the best top shelf liquor! This list includes only the top of the line, more expensive brands of liquor for the sophisticated pallet, including: Pravda, Martini & Rossi, Hennessy, Jim Beam (Black), Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Patron, Glenlivet, Appleton Estate, Cruzan, and Tanqueray. US retail sales in 2014: $219 million. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon goes all the way back to 1984. List RulesVote up and add all of your favorite top shelf alcohol brands! If you’re a liquor enthusiast, here are a few bottles to add to your collection! Because of its supreme quality, liquor in this category typically costs a lot more than traditional liquors and is usually not intended for every day drinking. Vote up and add all of your favorite top shelf alcohol brands! https://www.ranker.com/list/best-top-shelf-alcohol-brands/ranker-shopping Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for SKYY Vodka, Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Vanity Fair, Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Island Records, Alexander Koerner/Getty Images for Hennessy, Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Jameson Irish Whiskey. If you’ve ever asked the question, “What are the best top shelf alcohol brands?” you’ve definitely come to the right place! With the craft-cocktail revolution in full swing, Americans today have a dizzying array of liquors to choose from. Wine is fine. Middle and bottom-line products are usually not placed on the top. Ranker may collect a commission from links on this page. Scott Olson/Getty Images. Jack Daniel's whiskey.