Jim Gaffigan’s Latest Comedy Venture: A Bourbon Obsession

Jim Gaffigan is channeling a newfound passion into his comedy specials. The 59-year-old comedian’s latest performance, “Live from Old Forester: The Bourbon Set,” showcases 40 minutes of material centered around whiskey culture, exploring his fascination with bourbon that blossomed during the pandemic.

While discussing his experiences, Gaffigan humorously notes that he “got really into gardening and bourbon” during lockdown. He admits he’s no expert in bourbon but prefers to consider himself “annoyed in a different way.” His enthusiasm for this quintessentially American drink inspired him to create comedy tailored for fellow bourbon lovers.

“I had this whimsical thought: What if the entire show revolved around bourbon?” Gaffigan reflected. His management circled back, suggesting it was perhaps not the best idea, considering he might end up, well, not sober.

He shares that he doesn’t monitor how much bourbon he drinks—his real concern is how many bottles he possesses. Collecting bourbon bottles from every state has become a hobby, and he’s found an unusual storage spot: the confessional of a now-closed Catholic church. He humorously attributes the idea to his wife.

“It’s about advocating for oneself,” he said. “With this special, I brought my love for bourbon to the forefront. I’m not sure if it’s just a passion or maybe even a midlife crisis, but I truly love bourbon. I aimed to bring this niche interest to other enthusiasts.”

After posting the special on YouTube, he quickly attracted a considerable audience, racking up over 3.6 million views in just two weeks. Known for his clean comedy, Gaffigan was dubbed the “King of Clean” by the Wall Street Journal in 2013, allowing him to appeal to a broad audience without relying on profanity.

Besides his comedy set, Gaffigan launched his own bourbon brand, Father Time Bourbon, in 2024. Fans have shown great enthusiasm in the comments, humorously noting that buying his bourbon saves them from subscription fees for streaming services.

During an appearance on a talk show, he discussed his bourbon obsession and explained the inspiration behind the brand name, saying he believes fathers are often underrated.

Gaffigan also highlighted the camaraderie he’s discovered through bourbon, emphasizing that it creates a space for men to bond over shared interests rather than professional or socio-economic discussions. “When guys gather, there’s no talk of family or careers—just pure, fun conversations about shared passions,” he concluded.