John Mulaney Partners With Nonalcoholic Beer Brand Born and Raised in His Hometown

(Photo: Years)

Actor and comedian John Mulaney is the latest in a string of celebrities venturing into the nonalcoholic beer industry.

On Wednesday, the “Comeback Kid” announced a partnership with Years, a Chicago-based beer maker that offers canned nonalcoholic serves. Mulaney has signed on as the face of the brand as it kicks off its first national creative campaign. In the inaugural video, Mulaney can be seen relaxing on a lawn chair, lobbing a handful of jokes that gently prod at his past struggles with alcoholism.

He recounts: “My wife came home and I was pounding these, and she’s like, ‘What? You’re drinking again? What the f–k, John?’ And I went — ‘Relax. It’s Years.'”

Years Beer was launched in September 2024 by Patrick Corcoran, an entrepreneur who, among other things, formerly managed Grammy Award-winning musician Chance the Rapper. Rather than dealcoholize its drinks after the fact, Years brews each of its beers so that they naturally finish under 0.5% ABV. The brand currently offers an Original Pilsner, a Classic Pale and an upcoming Belgian Wit.

All are produced by Pilot Project, an Illinois- and Milwaukee-based beverage incubator that’s launched recognized names including Luna Bay Hard Kombucha and Donna’s Pickle Beer.

“I started Years to prove that alcohol-free living is about more, not less — more fun, more connection, more life, and zero hangovers,” Corcoran said in a news release. “Years is about great beer, real connection, and celebrating a life well-lived. Partnering with John was an easy choice; his story is inspiring, and after getting to know him, I can say with confidence that he’s the real deal. I couldn’t be happier to be working together, and I’m excited for what we can build in the NA space alongside Pilot Project.”

Whether or not he knows it, Mulaney has found his way into the industry at exactly the right place and time. Over the past few months, sober celebrities — particularly comedians — have emerged as the biggest champions of all things nonalcoholic beer.

Last week, “Two and A Half Men” star Charlie Sheen unveiled Wild AF Cold Gold. The NA beer is reportedly produced by Harpoon Brewery, a Boston-based beer maker that’s previously collaborated with Dunkin’ Donuts and the Boston Bruins. Much like Mulaney’s Years campaign, Wild AF serves as a pointed commentary on Sheen’s well-known ups and downs with sobriety.

Other nonalc beers include Ted Segers, launched by “Armchair Expert” host Dax Shepard, and BERO, the brainchild of “Spider-Man” star Tom Holland. We thought that Holland did a pretty damn good job with his twist on the concept, and are eager to see how other sober celebs are putting their stamp on the fast-growing category.