“Bottom Shelf:” A Book that Belongs on the Top Shelf

Fred Minnick’s latest book “Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life” is part memoir, part Bourbon history all wrapped up in a single narrative. The former Army photographer once tried to take his own life, but ended up becoming obsessed with the history of Old Crow Bourbon — an obsession that lasted nearly 20 years until he found out the truth about his favorite Bourbon of all time. We’ll talk with Fred Minnick on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, President Donald Trump has imposed a 15% tariff on all U.S. imports after the Supreme Court rejected his previous tariff scheme, and that will have an impact on the Scotch Whisky industry. We’ll have the details and the rest of the week’s whisky news on this week’s WhiskyCast. 

Episode 1150: February 22, 2026

Links: FredMinnick.com | Pernod Ricard | Suntory Global Spirits | Laphroaig | Bowmore | Hotaling & Co. | Keeper’s Heart | Penelope Bourbon | Rebel Bourbon | Virginia Distillery Co. | Proper No. Twelve | Dunville’s | Glenfiddich | World Whiskies Awards | Redbreast | Ardbeg | Eau Claire Distillery

Photo by Rob Wagner courtesy of Fred Minnick.