When comedian-author-dad Jim Gaffigan decided to step into the world of spirits, he didn’t want to simply slap his name on a label. Instead, he and his college friend and film-maker Stu Pollard set out to select barrels, craft blends and tell a story through bourbon. The result is Fathertime Bourbon, a premium bourbon offering that is “raised with love and discipline in heavy oak barrels undisturbed by children or the stress of parenting.” Gaffigan explores his own evolving palate. He once called himself “a beer guy” until bourbon found him and now he’s never looking back.
The Products
Fathertime releases are limited-batch, small-run and hand-signed by Jim Gaffigan, giving them collectible appeal alongside serious spirit credentials. Notable expressions include:
- Firstborn Edition — The brand’s debut release. With a classic bourbon profile: vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, subtle
spice.
- Second Child Syndrome — A nod to the middle-kid challenge of parenting, bottled at ~92.4 proof with a balanced, approachable, smooth finish.
- Twins: Toasted French Oak Finish (375 mL) — Finished in toasted French oak staves, limited to ~1,200 bottles, ~91.8 proof, this bourbon has enhanced complexity from French oak finish with deeper wood spice, toasted nuts, layered oak.
- Fourth & Long / Empty Nester Strength — Small batch at 92.4 proof, hand-selected barrels and a cask-strength variant (~120 proof) called “Empty Nester Strength.”
Why Buyers Should Pay Attention
For Buyers (both On-Premise and Off-Premise) looking to add a distinctive bourbon to their portfolio, Fathertime checks several strategic boxes:
- Story & Brand Differentiation – Rare brands with a strong founder story drive consumer interest, especially in premium spirits. Fathertime brings fatherhood, comedy, small-batch craft and authenticity.
- Limited Availability – These releases are constrained, which can drive urgency, premium pricing, and “buzz” on draft lists or retail shelves.
- Versatility – The expressions offer options for sipping neat (collector/afficionado) or for elevated pours in premium cocktail programs.
- Collectible Appeal – Hand-signed bottles and limited runs make this brand as much about gifting, display and special-occasion purchases as it is about everyday consumption.
On-Premise Buyers
In the bar/restaurant segment, Fathertime offers a compelling “story pour” for premium bourbon lists. Use it as a feature in:
- Reserve/Library pours – Position the 92.4 proof base as a “curated barrel pick” for patrons looking to explore craft bourbon with a story.
- Signature cocktail programs – Use the Twins or Empty Nester versions for high-end Old Fashioneds or specialized “dad-life” themed cocktails (see recipe below).
- Upsell opportunity – With its limited nature and provenance, it allows bartenders to tell a richer narrative when recommending it, supporting higher price points, flight formats or pairing with premium desserts/smoke profiles.
- Special events/gifts – For Father’s Day, “dad-crew” groups, or bourbon tasting events, the brand’s fatherhood narrative adds extra relevance.
Off-Premise Buyers
In the retail space (liquor stores, specialty spirits shops), Fathertime offers:
- Gift-friendly shelf presence – The bottle design + hand-signed label + unique names (Second Child Syndrome, Fourth & Long) make it ideal for gifting occasions (Father’s Day, milestones, retirements).
- Block-listing potential – Because of limited availability and collector interest, having the brand in your store can drive foot traffic, social media chatter, and loyalty among bourbon enthusiasts.
- Cross-category appeal – The brand resonates not just with bourbon purists but with pop-culture/fan-base (Jim Gaffigan fans) and gift buyers looking for “cool story + credible spirit.”
- Rotational pillar for premium bourbon wall – Use Fathertime as one of your rotating feature bourbons, giving it story cards, tasting notes, and placing it alongside other premium offerings.
Recipe — “Dad-Approved Old Fashioned”
Here’s a version of a cocktail shared by Jim Gaffigan ahead of Father’s Day, featuring his twist on the classic Old Fashioned (with his own brand).
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Fathertime Bourbon
- ¼ oz simple syrup (or ½ sugar cube)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Large ice cube
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Optional: noise-cancelling headphones (because “dad needs a minute”)
Instructions:
- In an Old Fashioned glass, combine the simple syrup and bitters.
- Add the bourbon and stir to integrate.
- Add a large ice cube; stir gently.
- Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in as garnish.
- Optional: slip on noise-cancelling headphones, sit back and enjoy the earned moment.
Final Take for Trade Buyers
For Trade Buyers looking to secure a bourbon line with both story and substance, Fathertime Bourbon delivers. With Jim Gaffigan’s authentic involvement, small-batch selection, limited runs and fatherhood-driven narrative, the brand stands out in a crowded space. Whether you’re positioning it in high-end cocktail programs or featuring it as a collectible shelf piece, Fathertime brings distinction, premium pricing potential and emotional resonance — making it a smart addition to both On-Premise and Off-Premise portfolios.