Pearse Lyons Distillery

The Pearse Lyons Distillery, located in the heart of the historic Liberties district in Dublin, represents an extraordinary example of how tradition and innovation can harmoniously blend. Founded in 2017, the distillery is named after the late Dr. Pearse Lyons, a renowned entrepreneur and innovator in the field of distillation, who, together with his wife Deirdre, realized the dream of creating a unique distillery in Ireland. The distillery is housed within St. James’s Church, an 18th-century building that underwent meticulous restoration to become the company’s headDistricts. This restoration project, which lasted over four years, transformed a derelict church into a vibrant whiskey production center while maintaining respect for its history and architectural heritage. The glass steeple, known as “The Liberties Lantern,” serves as a beacon, illuminating the neighborhood and symbolizing a new era for St. James.The connection between Pearse Lyons and the world of distillation goes back several generations. His family boasted five generations of master coopers in Dublin, a legacy that inspired Lyons in his mission to bring the tradition of distillation back to the Irish capital. Pearse’s passion for distillation and his innovative vision led him to found a distillery in Kentucky, USA, before realizing the dream of opening a distillery in his homeland.The experience offered by the Pearse Lyons Distillery is deeply immersive and educational. Visitors are welcomed with a tour that explores both the history of St. James’s Church and the traditional techniques of Irish whiskey distillation. During the tour, guests can admire the two copper stills, affectionately named “Mighty Molly” and “Little Lizzie,” which stand majestically on the former church altar, creating an almost sacred atmosphere for whiskey enthusiasts.The tour also includes a visit to St. James’s Cemetery, where numerous historical figures and members of the Lyons family, including Pearse’s grandfather John Hubert Lyons, are buried. This personal and historical touch adds an additional layer of depth and connection to the visit, making it not just a tasting experience but also a journey through the stories and lives that have helped shape the character of the place.The distillery produces a range of award-winning whiskeys, including Pearse Original, Distiller’s Choice, and Founder’s Choice, a 12-year-old single malt. Each whiskey is produced in small batches using traditional methods, with particular attention to quality and detail. Tour guests have the opportunity to taste these varieties, discovering the subtle differences and unique characteristics of each product.Pearse Lyons’s personal story is as fascinating as that of the distillery. Born in Ireland, Pearse moved to the United States in the 1970s to work in the distillation and brewing industry. In 1980, he and his wife Deirdre founded Alltech, a company that has had a significant impact on both the whiskey and agricultural industries. His passion and commitment to innovation led him to create several distilleries, including the Town Branch Distillery in Kentucky and the Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery in the Appalachian Mountains.Despite his passing in 2018, Pearse Lyons’s legacy continues to live on through his distilleries and contributions to the whiskey industry. In 2020, he was honored with the Chairman’s Award by the Drinks Ireland Irish Whiskey Association for his outstanding contribution to both the Irish whiskey and Kentucky bourbon industries, becoming the first person to receive recognition in both countries.