Fathertime The Caboose Empty Nester Strength Precious Batch Bourbon Whiskey
60.5% ABV (121.0 proof) | 750mL | Cask strength — bottled uncut | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Bottled by Fathertime Bourbon, LLC, Bardstown, KY — the Fathertime "The Caboose" Empty Nester Strength is the same fifth-release Precious Batch bottled exactly as it came out of the barrel — no proofing down. "Empty Nester Strength" is the brand's term for cask strength, and at 121.0 proof this is the boldest pour Fathertime has released. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Fathertime is the whiskey brand of comedian Jim Gaffigan and Stu Pollard, launched spring 2024. Each Precious Batch is named for one of Gaffigan's five children — "The Caboose," hand-selected spring 2026, is the fifth, named for the youngest ("just like the last car of the train, they stick out"). Every bottle is hand-signed by Gaffigan. Among bourbons, the Caboose duo is the first Fathertime release offered in both proofed and cask-strength forms.
Tasting notes
The brand publishes no official tasting notes. Expect a bold, high-proof Kentucky straight bourbon profile — cask-strength means full barrel character with no dilution.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 121.0 proof (60.5% ABV) cask strength — bottled uncut, "just how it came out of the barrel"
- Kentucky Straight Bourbon; bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky
- The Caboose — fifth Precious Batch release, hand-selected spring 2026
- From Jim Gaffigan and Stu Pollard; every bottle hand-signed by Gaffigan
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat with water alongside — at 121 proof, a few drops open it up dramatically. Experienced cask-strength drinkers can go neat in a Glencairn.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Empty Nester Strength" mean?
It's Fathertime's term for cask strength — the bourbon is bottled exactly as it came out of the barrel with no water added, at 121.0 proof.
How is this different from the regular Fathertime The Caboose?
Both start from the same batch: the regular Precious Batch is proofed down to 92.4 (smooth and approachable), while Empty Nester Strength is bottled at full 121.0-proof cask strength — bolder and higher proof.
Is Fathertime The Caboose aged?
The brand publishes no age statement for the Caboose. It is sold as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.