Bourbon industry best-selling author Fred Minnick has written many books about bourbon history, bourbon women and the bourbon curious. His new book Bottom Shelf – How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life, delves into the history of Old Crow bourbon and its journey from what he calls one of the best whiskeys ever to its low as a bottom shelf. Above and beyond that Fred opens up about his journey from Iraqi combat veteran, to therapy, recovery and how his love and appreciation for bourbon helped to save his life.
“When I came home from the war I had a lot of problems recovering. Wherever I went, I would see a sniper. I would feel like there would be a car bomb near and I got in therapy at the Louisville Veterans Administration and it absolutely saved my life,” shared Fred Minnick.
His therapist at the VA helped Fred to get out of a dark place. Through the use of a BBQ potato chip that opened up his sense of gustation (taste) and olfaction (smell) Fred was able to get some relief and lean in to his palate to become one of today’s most influential voices in American whiskey. Watch the video interview below to hear the story in his own words.
Watch to hear Fred’s story about how he decided to write this book and what’s inside.
Outtakes: What’s the name of the book, ascots, farts (the smeller is the feller), and of course vodka sucks.
Subscribe to DistilleryTrail’s YouTube channel.
You can order your own copy of Fred Minnick’s new book ‘Bottom Shelf – How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life’ here.
“While setting the record straight about a legendary whiskey brand and the Scotsman behind it, Minnick goes beyond bourbon to weave a true love story with his powerful and unforgettable journey after finding himself on the bottom shelf. It’s a story of resiliency and the power of hope, fueled by focus and love. And like the finish of a vintage Old Crow, you’ll remember this ride long after you turn the final page.” — Brian Haara, author of Bourbon Justice: How Whiskey Law Shaped America
Related Story
Fred Minnick Reads from ‘Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life’ – Ch. 8 Dave Pickerell Gets Sued, Feb 2026
Stay Informed: Sign up here for the Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
