Everything you need to know about Pearse Lyons Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Pearse Lyons, Ireland. Founded in 2017.
Pearse Lyons Distillery is one of the most distinctive whiskey distilleries in Ireland. Located in the historic St. James's Church in Dublin, it combines Irish whiskey production with one of the most unusual distillery settings you'll find anywhere in the world.
The distillery was founded by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, who returned to his native Dublin after building a successful international business. His vision was to restore the abandoned church and transform it into a working distillery while preserving its history and character.
After extensive restoration work, the distillery opened in 2017, bringing whiskey production back to an area of Dublin with deep distilling roots. Today, visitors can still see many of the original church features sitting alongside copper pot stills and whiskey warehouses.
Pearse Lyons Distillery has quickly become one of Dublin's most popular whiskey destinations, producing a range of Irish whiskeys known for their smooth, approachable character.
Flavour Profile:
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| Spicy |
Fruity |
Sweet |
Pearse Lyons is renowned for producing smooth and approachable Irish whiskeys with a balance of sweetness and fruit.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Vanilla |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
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Apple / Pear |
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Honey |
Most Famous Bottles
Pearse Original
The flagship whiskey from the distillery. Light, smooth and approachable with notes of honey, vanilla and orchard fruits.
Pearse Distiller's Choice
A small-batch Irish whiskey offering additional depth, spice and oak influence.
Pearse Founder's Choice 12 Year Old
One of the distillery's premium releases, combining mature whiskey with rich fruit and spice notes.
Pearse Cooper's Select
A blended Irish whiskey showcasing vanilla sweetness, gentle oak and a smooth finish.
Pearse 7 Year Old Single Malt
A popular single malt expression offering fruit, malt and delicate spice character.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Pearse Lyon Distillery
Address: 121-122 James's St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 ET27, Ireland
Visitor Centre
Yes. Pearse Lyons Distillery operates a visitor centre within the restored St. James's Church and is one of Dublin's most popular whiskey attractions.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Visitors can enjoy:
- Guided distillery tours
- Whiskey tastings
- Premium tasting experiences
- Historical church tours
- Distillery gift shop
Ownership History
Current Owner
Alltech / Lyons Family (2017–Present)
The distillery is owned by the Lyons family through Alltech, the international company founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons.
Previous Owners
| Dates | Owner |
|---|---|
| 2017–Present | Alltech / Lyons Family |
| 1861–2013 | St. James's Church |
| Pre-1861 | Original Church Site |
The whiskey distillery itself has remained under the ownership of the Lyons family since opening.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Pearse Lyons Distillery is located in Dublin, Ireland, within the restored St. James's Church, a historic church dating back to the 19th century.
The distillery was founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, an Irish entrepreneur and scientist who returned to Ireland after building a successful international business in the United States. His vision was to create a world-class Irish whiskey distillery while preserving an important piece of Dublin's architectural heritage.
The distillery opened in 2017 and quickly became one of Dublin's most distinctive whiskey destinations.
Production
- Spirit Type: Irish Whiskey
- Location: Dublin, Ireland
- Distillation: Copper pot stills
- Whiskey Styles: Single malt, blended malt, and blended Irish whiskey
- Cask Policy: Bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and specialty wine casks
Pearse Lyons combines traditional Irish whiskey-making methods with modern maturation techniques and cask experimentation.
Whisky Style
Pearse Lyons whiskies typically show:
- Honey and vanilla sweetness
- Orchard fruit character
- Soft spice
- Malt richness
- Smooth, approachable finish
The style generally reflects the lighter, fruit-forward profile associated with modern premium Irish whiskey.
Key Expressions
- Pearse Original Blended Irish Whiskey
- Pearse Distiller's Choice
- Pearse 5 Year Old Single Malt
- Pearse 7 Year Old Single Malt
- Pearse 12 Year Old Single Malt
The age-stated single malts form the core of the premium range and showcase increasing complexity with maturation.
Significance
Pearse Lyons Distillery played an important role in the revival of Dublin whiskey production, joining a new generation of distilleries helping restore the city's historic reputation as a major whiskey-making centre.
Its unique location inside a restored church also makes it one of the most recognisable and architecturally distinctive distilleries in Ireland.
Pearse Lyons Whisky to Buy
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