Dutch Barn Vodka goes for comedy gold
English vodka brand Dutch Barn, co-owned by actor and comedian Ricky Gervais, has launched The Spirit of Comedy stand-up competition in the UK.
Described as a ‘progressive’ stand-up comedy competition, The Spirit of Comedy features multiple regional rounds across the UK. Its grand final is scheduled for 1 October 2025 in London.
Gervais said about the competition: “As well as trying to make Dutch Barn a billion-dollar global brand, we thought we might as well try to find Britain’s second-greatest comic.”
The Spirit of Comedy will host its first rounds from May to July, including 20 UK towns and cities. A second round will follow in August and September.
Highlights of the shows will be broadcast on the Dutch Barn YouTube channel, with judging to include a combination of audience voting and expert panels.
Aspiring comics can apply to The Spirit of Comedy by submitting a short clip on the brand’s website.
The competition winner will receive a cash prize of £5,000 (US$6,600) and be invited to open for Gervais at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on 15 November 2025.
Dutch Barn Vodka is distilled from British apples in Yorkshire by Ellers Farm Distillery. The B Corp-certified brand is dedicated to ensuring its consumers ‘have a laugh’.
Every guest attending a Spirit of Comedy event will be greeted with a complimentary Dutch Barn cocktail.
Chris Fraser, founder and chairman of Ellers Farm, added: “We’re building a brand that loves to have fun and we want Dutch Barn to be at the heart of comedy for a long time to come, with plans to take The Spirit of Comedy around the world alongside Dutch Barn. We also know Ricky won’t live forever, so we thought we should start trying to find the next big thing.”
Last month, the vodka brand partnered with Opici Wines & Spirits to enter the US market.
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