Fathertime Santa’s Reward: A 15‑Year Bourbon for the Nice List

What is Fathertime Santa’s Reward?

Fathertime Santa’s Reward is a 15‑year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey released as a 2025 ultra‑limited decanter set.

This inaugural release was aged through fifteen winters and bottled at cask strength (110.7 proof), with only 242 bottles produced. Each set includes a 750mL bottle presented in an etched crystalline decanter, a hand‑signed and numbered letter from Jim Gaffigan, and a custom heritage presentation box designed to elevate the entire experience.

Santa’s Reward is positioned as both a collectible bourbon and a holiday ritual—intended to be shared with friends and family as a symbol of generosity and goodwill.

Fathertime

Santa's Reward

Image Source: Fathertime

Key Details at a Glance: Santa’s Reward 15‑Year

How is Santa's Reward Bourbon made?

Santa’s Reward is crafted as a long‑aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon designed to showcase depth, maturity, and balance at cask strength.

After resting for 15 years, the bourbon was bottled without dilution to preserve its natural character. While specific mashbill details are undisclosed, the focus of the release is clearly on extended aging, scarcity, and presentation—allowing the whiskey’s maturity and structure to speak for itself.

This approach positions Santa’s Reward firmly in the ultra‑premium, collectible bourbon category rather than as a mass‑market holiday novelty.

What is the legend behind Santa's Reward?

Santa’s Reward is rooted in a holiday tradition that dates back to the late 1700s and celebrates anonymous generosity.

According to the legend, an Irish immigrant widow named Marcia Mitchell Gavahan secretly gifted small bottles of corn whiskey to neighbors who had shown her kindness throughout the year. These bottles, left on doorsteps on Christmas Eve and marked “Santa’s Reward,” became symbols of gratitude and good fortune.

Over time, the tradition spread through the Ohio River Valley and Upper Midwest, evolving into a Christmas Eve ritual enjoyed only after the children were asleep and “Santa” had departed. A sip of Santa’s Reward was believed to bring prosperity in the year ahead.

In the 1990s, Jim Gaffigan revived the tradition by gifting bottles to friends and colleagues—ultimately partnering with Fathertime Bourbon in 2025 to bring the legend to life as a formal release.

What makes Santa's Reward unique?

Santa’s Reward stands out for its combination of age, scarcity, storytelling, and presentation.

Few modern bourbon releases pair a 15‑year age statement with sub‑300 bottle availability. Fewer still include a signed and numbered letter from a well‑known cultural figure like Jim Gaffigan. The etched crystal decanter, heritage packaging, and narrative‑driven concept make this release as much about tradition and symbolism as the liquid itself.

Unlike seasonal gimmicks, Santa’s Reward leans into authenticity—positioning itself as a once‑a‑year heirloom bourbon meant to be shared intentionally.

What does Jim Gaffigan say about Santa’s Reward?

Jim Gaffigan frames Santa’s Reward as a celebration of kindness, generosity, and shared moments.

In his letter accompanying each bottle, Gaffigan explains that receiving Santa’s Reward is an acknowledgment of kindness and generosity—values that reflect both his family’s traditions and the broader holiday spirit. Owners are encouraged to share the bottle with friends and family, tell them it’s for good luck, and if asked where it came from, simply smile and say,

“Maybe it was Santa.”

Should you buy Santa's Reward?

If you collect ultra‑limited American bourbon or value storytelling and presentation, Santa’s Reward is worth serious consideration.

At $499.99, this release is priced firmly in the luxury bourbon category—but the 15‑year age, cask‑strength proof, 242‑bottle run, and premium decanter set justify its positioning. Santa’s Reward is best suited for collectors, holiday gifting, or anyone looking to own a unique piece of modern bourbon folklore.

Looking for more whiskey releases?

From limited-edition releases to everyday standouts, our Whiskey Wednesday series brings you a new whiskey to explore each week. Always worth a spot on your shelf!

Check out our most recent Holiday drops:

• 12/17/25 New Riff Winter Whiskey: A Bottled‑in‑Bond Bourbon for Cold Weather

• 12/10/25 Duck Club™ Bourbon: Built for Outdoorsmen, Backed by Riley Green

• 12/3/25 Heaven Hill Heritage 2025: 19‑Year Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
  
• 11/26/25 Glenmorangie The Altus 25 Years Old: A Rare Highland Single Malt
  
• 11/19/25 A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 13: High West’s Port-Finished Rye Returns

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