Top shelf

"Top shelf" was a term used by bartenders to describe premium alcoholic beverages, which were typically kept on the top shelf in a bar. The term was used in contrast to low quality alcohol, such as hooch, swill, or rot-gut.

When Jean-Luc Picard told Guinan he would need something "stronger" to drink than hot Earl Grey tea, she asked if he want top shelf or hooch. Picard opted for hooch, and Guinan grabbed a bottle of Saurian brandy. (PIC: "The Star Gazer")

After a deal was reached between the Karemma and Quark regarding his use of their replicator technology for his Quark 2000 and their acquiring 76% profits of the Quark's franchise in 2381, the Karemma drank multiple bottles of the top shelf Tamarian mead Quark had on stock. (LD: "Hear All, Trust Nothing")

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