Jim Gaffigan’s Bourbon Special Hits YouTube, Roasting Whiskey Culture Perfectly

Comedian Jim Gaffigan has released a new comedy special focused entirely on bourbon. The special, titled “The Bourbon Set,” debuted for free on YouTube. It was recorded in Louisville, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country. Gaffigan’s performance is a deep dive into the world of whiskey enthusiasts.

This marks his first YouTube exclusive special. According to Deadline, the project was sponsored by Old Forester Distillery. The move brings his niche comedy directly to fans and bourbon lovers alike.

From Beer Guy to Bourbon Geek: Gaffigan’s Journey

Gaffigan details his personal transformation into a bourbon aficionado. He describes himself as a former “beer guy” who discovered bourbon later in life. His interest evolved into a genuine passion during the pandemic.

He immersed himself in bourbon podcasts and industry terminology. This led him to co-found his own brand, Fathertime Bourbon, with a friend. His comedy now reflects this deep, personal knowledge of the spirit.

Why Bourbon Geeks Are the Perfect Audience

The special brilliantly skewers the quirks of bourbon culture. Gaffigan expertly parodies the specific language and rituals of whiskey fans. He specifically stated he made this for “the other bourbon geeks.”

His humor targets the enthusiasts, not the drink itself. This makes the material relatable for both connoisseurs and the bourbon-curious. The stage was even lined with Old Forester barrels for authenticity.

One standout bit involves a story about Jerry Seinfeld. Gaffigan shares a tale of Seinfeld facing a massive bar tab for premium bourbon. The story highlights how specific, authentic tales resonate in both comedy and whiskey tasting.

A Celebrity Brand Built on Authenticity

Gaffigan’s foray into bourbon wasn’t a casual celebrity cash-in. He rejected numerous offers for branded spirits he felt lacked quality. He insisted on creating a premium product with his Fathertime brand.

Each bottle is personally signed by the comedian. This commitment to authenticity builds trust with serious collectors. His special avoids promoting his own brand, focusing instead on celebrating bourbon culture as a whole.

Jim Gaffigan’s bourbon special successfully merges niche interest with broad comedy. His genuine passion for the subject makes the humor both intelligent and accessible. The YouTube release makes this love letter to whiskey available to everyone instantly.

Thought you’d like to know-

When did Jim Gaffigan’s bourbon special come out?

“The Bourbon Set” was released on November 23, 2025. It is available to watch for free on YouTube. The special has a runtime of 44 minutes.

Who sponsored the comedy special?

The special was sponsored by Old Forester Distillery. Brown-Forman, Old Forester’s parent company, backed the project. The stage design featured barrels from the distillery.

Does Jim Gaffigan really own a bourbon brand?

Yes, he co-founded Fathertime Bourbon in 2024. It is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey released in small batches. The brand was created with his friend Stu Pollard.

Was the special filmed in Kentucky?

Yes, it was recorded at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville. This location is central to the bourbon industry. The setting added authenticity to the performance.

Why did Gaffigan choose YouTube for this special?

He wanted to get the material directly to bourbon enthusiasts. A free YouTube release made it easily accessible. This bypassed traditional streaming service gatekeepers.