Bourbon Pursuit 552 - How Old Crow Went From On Top to Bottom Shelf with Fred Minnick
Feb 5, 2026
59:55
Can a forgotten, dusty bottle of bourbon actually save a life? That’s the question we’re tackling today with the one and only Fred Minnick. Fred gives us a first hand account of this personal project from his new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man's Life. Fred gets incredibly candid about his battles with PTSD following his military service and how the legacy of Old Crow, a brand many today just overlook on the bottom shelf, played a pivotal role in his journey toward healing. But it’s not all heavy; in classic Fred fashion, he shares some hilarious and heartwarming personal anecdotes, including the story of his first date with his wife and how she has been someone who has pushed him in his bourbon career. We also go into the history of the legendary James C. Crow and how his innovations shaped the industry we love today. This episode is more than just a history lesson. it’s a powerful look at resilience, the importance of storytelling, and a reminder to keep chasing your passion no matter how tough the road gets.
Show Notes:
Show Notes:
- Fred's inspiration to write "Bottom Shelf"
- How Fred’s military background influenced his bourbon narrative
- Funny highlights from Fred and Jacqueline’s early relationship
- How Crow shaped modern bourbon practices
- What shifts occurred in the bourbon market due to National Distillers
- What Fred means by discovering your personal passion
- Why honesty is crucial in the narratives of bourbon
- How bourbon represents resilience and personal growth
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