Available today (2.17) via Sourcebooks 

Purchase a copy of Bottom Shelf HERE.

Audiobook available on Spotify HERE.

Today (2.17), bestselling author, spirits expert, veteran and media personality Fred Minnick releases his new memoir, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life, via Sourcebooks.

The new book explores the lost legacy of one of America’s most iconic bourbons, while also venturing through Minnick’s own search for purpose as he reveals his inspiring and deeply personal trauma-to-triumph journey. 

Get your copy of Bottom Shelf here

Listen to the audiobook on Spotify here

For over a decade, Minnick has helped shape the bourbon industry through his award-winning podcast, live events, reviews, books and more. But before he became the world’s leading bourbon authority, he was a war veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life upon his return from Iraq. In this vulnerable new book, Minnick opens up about the moment his battle with PTSD nearly caused him to end his own life, and how learning a taste mindfulness technique during a therapy appointment opened a door to healing. When applied to his love of bourbon, he discovered his extraordinary palate and propelled him toward a new purpose and career.

Soon after, Minnick became obsessed with bourbon, studying it from a historic and geo-political perspective. When he tasted an Old Crow Chessmen piece that completely stopped him in his tracks, he filtered his obsession into its history. His deep-dive research became a coping mechanism for life’s hardships and an avenue for his curiosity. 

In Bottom Shelf, Minnick’s curiosity runs wild, exposing American history through the lens of bourbon. The book explores how bourbon helped shape America through 1800s innovations to Prohibition survival, Vietnam War-era scandals, corporate missteps, marketing myths and more.

Recognized by Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Publisher’s Weekly and others, Bottom Shelf serves as a reminder that healing and purpose can be found in the most unexpected ways.

Minnick is currently on his book tour, with stops in New York City, Louisville, Lexington, Chicago and more. For more information, visit fredminnick.com or follow Minnick on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.

ABOUT FRED MINNICK:

Minnick is a world-renowned spirits authority, veteran, entrepreneur, bestselling author, podcast host and member of the HonorableOrder of Kentucky Colonels, known for his influential contributions in bringing the storied history and culture of bourbon to the mainstream. In 2021, he co-founded the American Spirits Council of Tasters and initiated the inaugural ASCOT Awards, celebrating the finest spirits globally. With his award-winning series, The Fred Minnick Show, Minnick adeptly merges bourbon culture with entertainment, featuring engaging tastings and interviews with a diverse array of guests. Notable episodes include conversations with athletes such as Peyton Manning, Terry Bradshaw and Charles Woodson, as well as musicians including Dierks Bentley, Jelly Roll, Mick Fleetwood and Lindsay Ell, and actors such as Cole Hauser, Ian Somerhalder and Graham McTavish. He also co-hosts Fourth & Neat, the high-energy, sports-meets-pop culture podcast with Pro Football Hall of Famer Jared Allen. 

A Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Minnick has penned several authoritative books on spirits, including Bourbon Curious, Bourbon, Rum Curious, and Whiskey Women. His expertise has been showcased on various media platforms, including the Today Show,Bravo, Top Chef, The History Channel, Moonshiners, CBS Mornings and more.

For more information on Minnick and The Fred Minnick Show, visit fredminnick.com.