Veteran Finds Healing Through Bourbon in New Book

Fred Minnick's memoir "Bottom Shelf" explores how a forgotten brand of bourbon helped him navigate PTSD.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 8:23am

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When Iraq veteran Fred Minnick learned about taste mindfulness in therapy, it marked a turning point in his healing journey. Minnick, a renowned spirits critic, is revisiting his experiences with PTSD and war in his new memoir "Bottom Shelf", which explores how a forgotten brand of bourbon gave him a professional purpose and helped him find his way through adversity.

Why it matters

Minnick's story highlights how unexpected passions and hobbies can play a crucial role in the healing process, especially for those dealing with the trauma of war and PTSD. His journey also underscores the power of storytelling and sensory-based therapies in navigating mental health challenges.

The details

In "Bottom Shelf", Minnick reflects on how learning about taste mindfulness in therapy served as a healing technique, a tool that led him to a successful career as a writer, and ultimately to his favorite "bottom shelf" bourbon - a 1969 bottle of Old Crow. Minnick said the history, unsolved mysteries, and the people behind bourbon gave him a reason to get up every single day and helped him find his way through adversity.

  • Minnick released his first memoir "Camera Boy: An Army Journalist's War in Iraq" in 2010.
  • Minnick's new memoir "Bottom Shelf" will be released on February 21, 2026 as part of his national book tour.

The players

Fred Minnick

An Iraq veteran and one of the nation's most influential spirits critics. Minnick is the author of several tasting guides and spirit histories, and his new memoir "Bottom Shelf" explores how a forgotten brand of bourbon helped him navigate PTSD and find purpose.

Old Crow

A "bottom shelf" bourbon that became Minnick's favorite, leading to a surge in its price from $40 to $3,000 almost overnight after Minnick named it his favorite.

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What they’re saying

“Bourbon gave me a professional purpose. It became a big part of my DNA.”

— Fred Minnick, Author

“To this day, I still don't understand how I can say something about a bourbon, and it flies off the shelf.”

— Fred Minnick, Author

“Having an activity to help you get past whatever it is that hurts you. No one's going to walk through this Earth without adversity, pain, loss, and heartbreak. It's OK to reach out for help.”

— Fred Minnick, Author

What’s next

Minnick will bring "Bottom Shelf" to Lexington as part of the first leg of his national book tour on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Joseph Beth's.

The takeaway

Minnick's story underscores the power of finding unexpected passions and hobbies to navigate mental health challenges, especially for those dealing with the trauma of war and PTSD. His journey highlights the healing potential of sensory-based therapies, storytelling, and connecting with one's community.