Jim Gaffigan Fans: Meet Him In Grand Rapids This Week

Love Jim Gaffigan? You could meet him this week in Grand Rapids!

The comedian is in town Thursday night for a show at Van Andel Arena—but that’s not the only reason he’s here. Earlier in the day, he’s making a special appearance where fans can meet him in person.

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Why is Jim Gaffigan in Grand Rapids?

Sure, you know Jim Gaffigan as the stand-up comic behind Hot Pockets jokes and countless Netflix specials. But did you know he also has his own bourbon?

Yep. It’s called Fathertime—and it’s not just another “celebrity spirit.”

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As Gaffigan tells it, he and his wife have spent the last decade really learning to appreciate a good pour. He’d been approached about putting his name on a liquor brand before, but it never felt right. For one, he doesn’t really consider himself a celebrity. For another, he wasn’t about to fake it. The last time he was approached by a spirits-maker, he thought:

Why don’t I just try and do something myself? That might make it less cringy and I’d be able to personally guarantee it won’t taste like garbage.

So he teamed up with longtime friend Stu Pollard, an indie filmmaker and fellow bourbon lover, to bring Fathertime Bourbon to life.

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While Gaffigan admits he’s not a bourbon expert, he says he knows what he likes and handpicks each bourbon. He and Stu also get help from "smart bourbon people." Each edition is a precious batch of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, made in small quantities for quality.

Fathertime Bourbon is newly available in Michigan—and to celebrate, Gaffigan’s making a stop in Grand Rapids for a special bottle signing.

Where to Meet Jim Gaffigan in Grand Rapids

This Thursday, July 17, Jim Gaffigan will be at Rishi’s International Beverage for a bottle signing event from noon to 1 p.m. Fans can meet him, snap a photo, and—if you purchase a bottle of Fathertime Bourbon—get it personally autographed.

The event is open to the public, but you’ll need to be 21 or older to buy a bottle.

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Rishi's International Beverage is at 3835 28th St. SE.

And don’t forget—Gaffigan’s stand-up show hits Van Andel Arena later that night!