ABOUT TOP SHELF
Top Shelf 2024 is tailor-made for trade professionals and consumers seeking to grow and connect with award-winning brands. Whether you're looking to forge connections to retailers and importers or network with the influential faces behind leading brands, this is the place to be.
Event attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest products all while learning from the best through specialized master class sessions. Elevate both your personal and professional brand in the world of luxury spirits—Top Shelf is where it all happens.​
"There’s nothing like Top Shelf anywhere in the world. It’s a must attend." - Kyle McHugh, Director of Brand Advocacy, Samson & Surrey
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​“This was a really classy event! I loved everything about it, particularly the opportunity to share this passion for whisky and spirits with others who feel the same.” - David, 2023 Attendee from New York
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“We had such a great time! This was a unique and informative experience.” - Christine, 2023 Attendee from San Francisco
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"Attending Top Shelf was a fantastic experience! Discovering new products at the grand tasting was great, and the educational master class sessions were both insightful and inspiring. The best part was connecting with fellow spirits enthusiasts who share the same passion. Can't wait for the next one!" - Robert, 2023 Attendee from Los Angeles
An Event Like No Other
GRAND TASTINGS
Sip and savor a curation of the most impressive collections from leading brands.
MASTER CLASSES
VIP ticket holders can expand their spirits knowledge and level up their palate through exclusive sessions.
NETWORKING
Meet, network, and learn from brand founders, master distillers, and industry experts.
GOURMET PAIRINGS
Enjoy delicious food pairings that are specifically created to enhance the drinking experience.
AWARDS GALA
Be the first to discover which brands will win the coveted Best in Show awards.
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ABOUT THE TASTING ALLIANCE
As the largest and longest-running blind evaluation competitions in the space, The Tasting Alliance is committed to three key principles: legacy, integrity, and impartiality. Double Gold medal winners are selected by the most trusted blind judging panels in the world. With some of the most renowned international distilleries and small-batch craft producers, these awards have proven to be game-changers and may one day help our brands become household names or cement their lasting legacy.
DOUBLE GOLD & GOLD
Awarded to the entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are among the finest products in the world. Out of thousands of entries over the course of the year, only a small percentage are awarded Double Gold.
SOME OF OUR ESTEEMED JUDGES
Lauren Paylor O'Brien
Beverage Professional, Writer, Entrepreneur and Ultimate Drink Master
Ivy Mix
Head Bartender & Co-Owner, Leyenda.
and Founder, Speed Rack
Julie Reiner
Co-Founder, Clover Club, Leyenda & Mixtress Consulting
Toshio Ueno
Vice president & co-founder,
sake school of America
director of beverage,
Marriott internationals global
Molly Horn
cocktail strategy manager,
total wine & more
Eduardo Dingler
vice president of wine,
wine access
SATURDAY'S MASTERCLASSES PRESENTED BY
Brother's Bond Small Batch Whiskeys Masterclass
Join us for an exclusive masterclass tasting with Ian Somerhalder, where he will expertly guide you through a structured tasting of our award-
winning small-batch whiskeys.
Ian Somerhalder
Co-Founder of Brother's Bond Whiskey
Core Range and Blend Components
An exploration of the Starward approach to red wine barrel maturation, covering malt and wheat blend components and how the core range products Two-Fold 45%, Nova and 100 Proof are blended
David Vitale
Founder of Starward Whisky
Gordon & MacPhail - Spirit, Oak & Time
Gordon & MacPhail has been maturing Single Malt Whisky for over 120 years from over 100 different distilleries. During this time Gordon & MacPhail has mastered matching Spirit, Oak & Time to release single malt whisky when they are at their peak. This masterclass will take you through G&M’s history and philosophy while trying whiskies from different decades and distilleries to demonstrate what we do.
Molly Horn
Manager of Cocktail Strategy at Total Wine & More
Agave Loteria!
Who doesn't like a friendly game of bingo?! Especially when bingo turns into a Mexican "Lotería" and involves blind tasting of various agave spirits! This will be fun, interactive and even a little bit
competitive seminar to enjoy by both- novice to agave and category "experts". Your knowledge will be tested and your luck might be compromised, but you will leave with a bottle full of agave knowledge. And who knows- maybe you will be the next Lotería Champion!
Exploring the Evolution of Sake: Unveiling Modern Sake Styles
Join us for an enlightening seminar as we delve into the fascinating world of modern sake styles. Discover the innovative techniques, flavors, and trends reshaping the traditional landscape of sake production. From aromatic sakes to bold brews, this seminar promise to
elevate your understanding and appreciations of this ancient Japanese art form.
Core Range and Blend Components
An exploration of the Starward approach to red wine barrel maturation, covering malt and wheat blend components and how the core range products Two-Fold 45%, Nova and 100 Proof are blended
Egor Polonskiy
Head of Education at Academia Patron
Toshio Ueno
Executive Instructor & VP,
Mutual Trading
Sam Slaney
Production Director, Starward Whisky
Ian Macleod Distillers Fine & Rare Experience
Explore Ian Macleod Distillers' exceptional portfolio featuring our fine and rare gems of Scotland: Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Isle of Skye.
Michael Lowry
Head of Total Wine & More Global Spirits Sourcing and
Keeper of the Quaiche
Ian Macleod Distillers Fine & Rare Experience
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Explore Ian Macleod Distillers' exceptional portfolio featuring our fine and rare gems of Scotland: Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Isle of Skye.
Gordon Dundas
Brand Development & Advocacy Director at Ian
Macleod Distillers
Wine Cocktails Have Arrived: Rodney Strong Elevates Craft Beverages
Iconic Sonoma County winery Rodney Strong Vineyards introduces a new lifestyle concept of innovative wine-based cocktails. Enjoy award-winning Rodney Strong Vineyards wines followed by their cocktail counterparts designed and presented by Master of Menus & Restaurnteur Dave Whitton
Dave Whitton
Master of Menus
& Restauranteur
Armagnac: The Last Great Undiscovered Spirit
Explore the rich history, artisanal production, and unique enjoyment of Armagnac, the world's first
recorded distilled spirit and a hidden gem in the world of fine spirits.
Leo J. Gibson
Co-Founder,
BHAKTA Spirits
Gordon & MacPhail - Spirit, Oak & Time
Gordon & MacPhail has been maturing Single Malt Whisky for over 120 years from over 100 different distilleries. During this time Gordon & MacPhail has mastered matching Spirit, Oak & Time to release single malt whisky when they are at their peak. This masterclass will take you through G&M’s history and philosophy while trying whiskies from different decades and distilleries to demonstrate what we do.
Richard Urquhart
Head of Sales - Americas for Gordon & MacPhail
With over 160 years of rich history, the famed Barbancourt distillery is now looking toward the future. Master Distiller Jean Marc Ewald will demonstrate how ancestral techniques continue to inspire the craftsmanship behind Rhum Barbancourt. Participants of this exclusive masterclass will have the unique opportunity to taste the brand's latest and upcoming releases.
Rhum Barbancourt: From Tradition to Innovation
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Jean-Marc Ewald
Master Distiller, Rhum Barbancourt
SUNDAY'S MASTERCLASSES
PRESENTED BY
Subjective Objectivity
What is it that distinguishes a good spirit from a truly great one and what criteria can we use to assessquality whilst limiting our own personal biases? We'll explore these questions using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting.
Rob McCaughey
Head of Business Development
WSET
Essential Tips for Getting Started in the U.S.
Before launching your brand in the US, make this session your first stop for understanding how the US alcohol system is set up and the initial steps required to begin selling your product here.
Carlos Rivero
Business Development Manager
Park Street Companies
Cross Cultural Currents: Exploration Leading to Innovation in Spirits
A brief history and examination of how spirits can start in one place and end in another, both geographically and culturally - in many cases integrating into cultures as one thing and becoming a permanent part of them as another.
Diego Osorio
Founder & Chief Creative Officer
Lobos 1707
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A conversation about what tools bar operators have at their disposal to optimize profits by creating cost and work efficiencies throughout their operations.
Cost and Work Efficiencies in Modern Cocktail Operations: A Panel Discussion
H. Joseph Ehrmann
SVP National Account Sales & Chief Mixology Officer, Fresh Victor
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Cross Cultural Currents: Exploration Leading to Innovation in Spirits
A brief history and examination of how spirits can start in one place and end in another, both geographically and culturally - in many cases integrating into cultures as one thing and becoming a permanent part of them as another.
Jamie Gordon
Director of Cocktail, Education & On-Premise Strategy
Lobos 1707
What Makes a "Craft" Tequila? Evaluating New Ways for Consumers to Segment and Sort Tequila Brands
![carlos crain pic 2 (1)[93] Juliana Sarria.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/34348d_5e23949d8fb94224b5e65d727d03f789~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_261,h_322,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/carlos%20crain%20pic%202%20(1)%5B93%5D%20Juliana%20Sarria.jpeg)
In the booming tequila industry, the term "craft" is used but remains undefined. What truly distinguishes a craft tequila? Join us for a deep dive into "What Makes a 'Craft' Tequila?"—a session where we’ll examine potential new approaches to segmenting and sorting brands, allowing consumers to make more informed choices.
Carlos Crain
Tequila Volcan de mi Tierra Global Brand Ambassador
Cost and Work Efficiencies in Modern Cocktail Operations: A Panel Discussion
A conversation about what tools bar operators have at their disposal to optimize profits by creating cost and work efficiencies throughout their operations.
Tony Spinelli
Head of Sales, Cierto Tequila
Building Your Brand: Navigating the Distributor Landscape
Gain valuable insights on how brands can best work with their distributor partners from Breakthru Beverage Group’s Sr. Director of Business Development, John Oliver.
John Oliver
Sr. Director of Business Development for Breakthru Beverage Group
The State of The Industry: Distilled Spirits
The Distilled Spirits Industry is always changing with new hurdles, exciting innovation, and positive advocacy. Dive into the State of Distilled Spirits with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States as they present an overview of what the landscape is and how you can get more involved in the industry.
Colleen Terry
Director of Advocacy, DISCUS
The State of The Industry: Distilled Spirits
The Distilled Spirits Industry is always changing with new hurdles, exciting innovation, and positive advocacy. Dive into the State of Distilled Spirits with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States as they present an overview of what the landscape is and how you can get more involved in the industry.
Caleb Ross
Director of Member Services, DISCUS
What Makes a "Craft" Tequila? Evaluating New Ways for Consumers to Segment and Sort Tequila Brands
![JAY BAER PIC[16] Juliana Sarria.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/34348d_b1e6c476fe974dd99f3a512fa616450d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_281,h_187,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/JAY%20BAER%20PIC%5B16%5D%20Juliana%20Sarria.jpg)
In the booming tequila industry, the term "craft" is used but remains undefined. What truly distinguishes a craft tequila? Join us for a deep dive into "What Makes a 'Craft' Tequila?"—a session where we’ll examine potential new approaches to segmenting and sorting brands, allowing consumers to make more informed choices.
Jay Baer
Tequila Aficionado
Elijah Craig Vertical Tasting
Guests will taste through all five expressions of the Elijah Craig family.
Jack Chaote
Ambassador, Heaven Hill
Cost and Work Efficiencies in Modern Cocktail Operations: A Panel Discussion
A conversation about what tools bar operators have at their disposal to optimize profits by creating cost and work efficiencies throughout their operations.
Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Founder, RepealDay.org
Unveiling the Mystic of Mezcal
Join us for an in-depth and captivating journey through Mezcal's rich history, diverse flavors, and versatile nature, whether enjoyed neat or as a cocktail base. In this seminar, we will discuss artisanal production and the profound impact of terroir and craftsmanship on its distinct taste.
Elayne Duff
Global Director of Advocacy,
Samson & Surrey
THE GALA
Experience the Top Shelf Gala, a black-tie affair honoring the exceptional leaders shaping the spirits industry. Celebrating excellence with "Best in Class" and "Best in Show" awards from The Tasting Alliance competitions. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to be the first to discover the top products in the world all while networking with founders, master distillers, esteemed judges & experts.
Three Course Dinner
Signature Cocktails
SPEED NETWORKING
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October 6th 10AM-11AM PST
This unique event is designed to connect two-day trade pass holders directly with key industry leaders in the areas of importing, distribution, retail expansion, e-commerce, and more. These companies are ready to help you elevate your business through meaningful partnerships and opportunities.
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Featured Companies to Meet:
MHW
Total Wine & More
Flaviar
Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (SGWS)
Breakthru Beverage
Whole Foods
Henry Preiss Imports
Park Street
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS)
Demonstrate x DDW
Reyes Beverage Group
LibDib
Pacific Edge
Promolytics
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is Top Shelf?
Top Shelf will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 and Sunday, October 6, 2024.
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Where is the event located?
The event will be held at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco.
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How do I register for the event and order tickets?
Click here to purchase tickets!
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How much do tickets to Top Shelf cost?
Click here for ticket pricing!
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What's the difference between a General Admission, VIP ticket & Trades Two-Day Pass?
Click here for ticket inclusions!
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Do you sell tickets on-site at the event?
Although we will not sell tickets on-site at the InterContinental, you are able to continue to purchase tickets online while space is available.
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What is the schedule of events?
Saturday, October 5: Grand Tasting and VIP Master Classes
Sunday, October 6: Trades Focused Master Classes and Awards Gala
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Do I have to pre-register for master class sessions?
Pre-registering for master classes is required. Keep in mind that these master classes may sell out and making your selections on our ticketing site guarantees a seat. Once you select your VIP ticket, you'll have the opportunity to submit your choices on master classes. Detailed titles and schedules will be posted and shared in July for all VIP ticket holders.
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When will I receive my event attendee pass?
Attendee passes will not be mailed in advance and will be distributed on-site at the time of registration at the event.
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Can I stay at the hotel where the event is being hosted?
We have a dedicated room block at the InterContinental Hotel at a special rate starting at $189 per night. The rate is good until Thursday, September 19, or until the room block sells out. Book rooms here.
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Is there parking at the hotel?
Valet Parking Only in Secure Garage Spaces. The Hotel’s current valet daily parking rate is $74.00 per vehicle or $84.00 per oversize vehicle, per night plus 14% occupancy tax. If you plan on parking at the hotel, please contact the hotel directly for pricing as it is subject to change.
Phone: +1 415 6166500 | Email: icsf@ihg.com
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What if I lose my tasting glass?
If you lose your tasting glass, we will have hotel-provided glassware for use at the event to continue your tasting experience. We will not be replacing lost tasting glasses.
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Will there be food and non-alcoholic beverages provided?
A premium buffet will be available throughout the event to ensure attendees are balancing between samples. There will be no outside food and beverage allowed in the tasting room and master classes.
There will be a variety of non-alcoholic beverages provided throughout the event to enjoy.
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Do I need individual vouchers for each tasting pour?
We do not require vouchers to redeem tasting pours. Tasting pours are included in both the general admission and VIP ticket pricing.
I lost my ticket. Can I have another one?
Unfortunately, we will not be replacing lost tickets for the event. Please be sure to save your event confirmation to redeem your wristband on-site at the registration desk.
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What is the cancellation policy?
Ticket cancellations will not be allowed. However, if you are unable to attend the event, you are able to transfer your ticket to another guest.
How can I become a sponsor or exhibitor at the event?
Please contact Amanda Blue, President of The Tasting Alliance at amanda@thetastingalliance.com
I'm an exhibitor - where do I find information about my booth marketing and other exhibitor details?
Please visit the exhibitor portal or contact your assigned event manager for any exhibitor details:
Taylor Vasquez, tvasquez@elevatedmeetings.com
Merissa Batz, mbatz@elevatedmeetings.com