When Fathertime Bourbon was launched in 2024 by comedian Jim Gaffigan and his friend Stu Pollard, the brand was still fairly unknown. However, in just two years, the company has become increasingly popular, earning international recognition during the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Just like fashion brands have been expanding their universe to the hospitality industry in recent years, celebrities too have been busy broadening their horizons. From lifestyle brands to wineries to hotels: the possibilities are endless, especially when well-connected.
In 2024, comedian Jim Gaffigan decided to start his own bourbon company. In the past, he had been a guest on whiskey-industry podcasts and events, but he also partnered with bourbon brand Old Forester to produce a bourbon-themed stand-up show called ‘The Bourbon Set’. Gaffigan thus teamed up with his friend and film producer Stu Pollard, and Fathertime Bourbon was born.
I’m so pleased to announce @fathertimebourbon Caboose -Empty Nester just won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Order today to receive yours prior to Father’s Day https://t.co/vWQKuHJT01 Every bottle is hand signed by me. pic.twitter.com/ELWshT7owt
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) June 11, 2026
“I’m (obviously) not a bourbon expert. But I did do my research, and I know what I like. I hand-picked the bourbon and personally signed every bottle of Fathertime. And no, there isn’t some big spirit company behind this adventure. It’s just a buddy from college and me. We got tons of help from smart bourbon people, and we’re proud of what we’ve created. We hope you enjoy drinking it as much as we do. It’s a gamble, but then again, so is parenting,” Jim Gaffigan writes on the Fathertime Bourbon website.
Over the past two years, the entrepreneurial duo hasn’t stopped. Five different kinds of bourbon were launched, mainly named after Gaffigan’s five children: Firstborn Edition, Second Child Syndrome, The Middle Child Mystery, Fourth & Long, and The Caboose. Of those, only The Caboose (launched in the spring of 2026) is still available, in two different editions.
The Caboose (46.2% alcohol by volume)
A bourbon sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery (or mulitple distilleries). The non-age-stated whiskey is made from 63% corn, 30% rye, and 7% malted barley. After ageing, water is added to the drink to create a smooth and easily appreciated beverage. One bottle containing 75 centilitres retails for $149,99.
“Like previous Fathertime releases, The Caboose was created by me and Stu tasting barrels and blending until we found something smooth, balanced, and worth sharing. Each batch is small and carefully selected, and every bottle is personally signed by me – a process that is admittedly a pain in the ass, but ultimately worth it. Much like fatherhood,” Gaffigan explained.
Happy National Bourbon Day! #OnThisDay in 1964, Congress officially recognized bourbon as a distinct product of the United States. Join us in raising a glass!@JimGaffigan pic.twitter.com/hjonqGmAaT
— Fathertime Bourbon (@FTBourbon) June 14, 2026
Empty Nester (Cask) Strength (60.5%)
Connsiting of the same base as The Caboose, the Empty Nester (Cask) Strength is bottled directly at cask strength, leading to a higher alcohol percentage. One bottle containing 75 centilitres retails for $199,99.
“As my appreciation for bourbon evolved, so did my preference for a stronger pour. That’s why some bottles of The Caboose are released at cask strength (121.0 proof), which I affectionately call ‘Empty Nester Strength’,” Gaffigan wrote.
FOURTH & LONG: EMPTY NESTER STRENGTH is now our most-awarded bourbon, with recognition from the @AscotAwards, the American @Distilling Institute, @theIWSC , and, now, the @SIPAwards! You can still grab THE CABOOSE at https://t.co/IVtjgtO6FG!
— Fathertime Bourbon (@FTBourbon) July 10, 2026
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.@JimGaffigan pic.twitter.com/1V95YTUtji
During the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in July, Fathertime Bourbon was able to obtain international recognition. The Caboose Small Batch: Empty Nester Strength secured the title of Best New Bourbon, earning no less than 97 points and earning a Double Gold Medal. The jury particularly liked the bourbon’s nose of matcha tea, ginger, cookies, and lemon peel, with flavours including dried fig and bubble gum.
