How Fred Minnick Went from the Battlefield to the Bourbon Trail

How Fred Minnick Went from the Battlefield to the Bourbon Trail

From Biscuits & Jam by Southern Living

December 9, 2025 · 52 min

About this episode

Fred Minnick shares his journey from military service and struggles with PTSD to discovering a passion for bourbon.

Fred Minnick is one of the most knowledgeable people in America when it comes to whiskey. Born and raised in the small town of Jones, Oklahoma, he developed an early interest in shooting, fishing, and messing around in the great outdoors. Inspired by his grandfather’s military service, he enlisted in the National Guard while attending Oklahoma State University, eventually serving as an Army photojournalist in Iraq in 2004. The constant danger and random violence of being in a war zone, as well as the experience of losing friends and comrades, caused him to struggle with PTSD and depression after returning home. Now, in his new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man's Life, Fred tells the very personal story about how he clawed his way back from the brink of self-destruction. He chronicles his discovery of a hidden talent for tasting the complex flavors of wine and whiskey, and he shares how his obsession with the story of Old Crow bourbon—and its mysterious founder—gave him a new sense of purpose. Sid also talks to Fred about the crucial role his wife played in his recovery, the best bourbon he’s ever tasted, and his top recommendations for a Kentucky…

People in this episode

Host: Sid Evans

Guest: Fred Minnick

Topics covered

  • whiskey
  • PTSD
  • bourbon
  • military service
  • personal recovery

Keywords

  • whiskey
  • bourbon
  • PTSD
  • military
  • recovery
  • Old Crow
  • Kentucky bourbon tour

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southern Living, Oklahoma State University, Old Crow

Places: Jones, Oklahoma

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