Bourbon Pursuit

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:
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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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:
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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We found a bourbon that claims it’s aged in a historic railroad boxcar turned “rolling rickhouse”, so of course we had to taste it. Black Diamond (103 proof, $58) brings big chocolate-covered cherry energy with a creamy, candy-box palate, but the finish splits the room. Is train-car aging genius, gimmick, or the future?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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It's This Week in Bourbon for January 30th 2026. Sotheby's has set a record for the most valuable bourbon ever sold at auction, Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction has announced a historic collaborative lot titled “United We Stand”, and Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have reclaimed and are relaunching their Belle Meade whiskey.Show Notes:
Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils packaging redesign for core portfolio and new wheated single barrel option

Uncle Nearest founders file emergency motion to end receivership amid plummeting sales and market value

Sotheby’s sets $2.5M record for most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold at auction

Off Hours Bourbon named "Official Partner of the Detroit Pistons" in multi-year sports collaboration

Pursuit Spirits and partners announce "United We Stand" collaborative barrel auction for veteran charity

Old Forester's 156-year legacy celebrated in new "Whiskeyland" documentary by the Balas Brothers

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength receives premium bottle redesign and debut age statement

Garrison Brothers to release first-ever Bottled in Bond Texas Bourbon on Texas Independence Day

Nelson brothers reclaim Belle Meade brand for independent regional relaunch in Tennessee

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Have you ever wondered how all these brands get into a bottle without owning a multi-million dollar distillery? We've talked about sourcing before but that's just one part of the puzzle. In this episode, we're going to talk about that second step, co-packing. We’re joined by Jeff Wuslich, he's the President of Cardinal Spirits and Cardinal Copacking, to break down what it takes to actually manufacture booze at scale. Jeff has a background in manufacturing and slowly became a cornerstone of the Indiana craft scene. Jeff also has their own brands they use to showcase their abilities and have relationships with powerhouses like MGP. One thing that interested me was RTDs and the explosion of the canned cocktail movement, but as Jeff will talk about there are some massive compliance headaches that come with them. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own label or just want to know how the industry actually moves behind the scenss, this one side you need to understand..
Show Notes:
The journey of launching a spirits brand in Indiana

Understanding the co-packing process and client communications

The relationship with MGP and its effects on business

Emerging trends in the spirits industry, including ready-to-drink options

Compliance issues and industry regulations in co-packing

Financial insights and pricing dynamics in co-packing

Tips for aspiring distillers navigating the co-packing landscape

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