Recognized for Sustainability Improvements That Drive Long-Term Innovation
Pearse Lyons Distillery has achieved Gold Membership in the Bord Bia Origin Green programme for the fourth consecutive year, in recognition of their continued commitment to sustainability. Gold is the highest and most prestigious standard in this programme. The Distillery’s consistent use of sustainable raw materials, improvement in the use of recycled/recyclable materials in product packaging, increased efficiencies in how raw materials are utilised, sustained waste reduction, increasing biodiversity initiatives and community engagement were the basis for achieving this highly coveted status.
Origin Green is Ireland’s pioneering food and drink sustainability programme, uniting the government, private sector and complete supply chain, from farmers to food producers, foodservice, beverage and retail. As the world’s only national food and drink sustainability programme, Origin Green enables the industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment and serve local communities more effectively.
“Origin Green Gold status is a highly prized award for us. We are honoured to attain it for the fourth consecutive year for our sustainability work to date and we will continue finding ways to positively impact our business and the world around” said Conor Ryan, head of production operations at Pearse Lyons Distillery.
Pearse Lyons Distillery has embedded sustainability across its operations. From restoring a 12th-century church in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties that serves as a beacon to the history and heritage of the community around it, to using regenerative farming techniques to cultivate own grown grain just 25 kilometres from the distillery and the upcycling of bourbon barrels from its sister distillery in Kentucky. Sustainability is consistently embedded at the heart of its processes. Finding innovative ways to look at all components of the business to improve year-over-year on sustainable efforts also allows for a focus on long-term sustained growth as the distillery has its sights on generational longevity.
“Being a private and family-run company with deep roots in the brewing and distilling industry, longer term thinking is inherently part of who we are and how we make decisions,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.
“As such, I have been very proud to see the continued commitment our team at the Pearse Lyons Distillery has shown to finding creative and novel ways to keep moving the bar higher, resulting in our fourth consecutive Origin Green Gold Membership certification. For the six generations that came before me, particularly my father, a legacy wasn’t something to be preserved but it was a base to build upon. These types of certifications serve as markers of progress as that legacy continues to grow.”
The Pearse Lyons Distillery remains committed to keeping sustainability at the heart of everything they do.
Celebrating Guaranteed Irish recognition and over 200,000 visitors from around the world.
DUBLIN, Ireland, July 25, 2025— Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin’s only independent family-owned distillery, proudly celebrates a milestone eight anniversary, having welcomed over 200,000 visitors from around the world. Marking this special occasion, the distillery has also been awarded the prestigious Guaranteed Irish symbol.
“Since opening its doors, Pearse Lyons Distillery has welcomed over 200,000 visitors from across the globe. Each one sharing in the passion and tradition that define our brand. This milestone is not only a celebration of our journey, but also a heartfelt thank you to the visitors, our team, and supporters who have made it all possible. As we raise a glass to eight incredible years, we look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence, innovation and sustainability” said Tracey Flinter, General Manager.
Pearse Lyons Distillery is also proud to celebrate its recent accreditation as a Guaranteed Irish member, a distinction that recognises businesses committed to Irish provenance, community support, and sustainable practices. This recognition underscores the brand’s deep-rooted connection to local heritage and its ongoing dedication to responsible craft.
“Being awarded the Guaranteed Irish symbol not only affirms the distillery’s quality and authenticity, but also highlights the continuing contribution to Ireland’s economy, culture, and global reputation for excellence in spirits”, said Flinter.
The announcement also coincides with the Feast of St. James, celebrated annually on July 25th in honour of St. James the Greater, the patron saint of pilgrims. Fittingly, Pearse Lyons Distillery, housed in the restored St. James Church, shares its founding anniversary with this historic feast day. This alignment creates a powerful trio of celebrations: the distillery’s 8th birthday, its recognition with the Guaranteed Irish symbol, and a moment of cultural reflection rooted in its iconic location.
Restoration, Community & Sustainability
In 2012, St. James Church was acquired with the vision of restoring it not just as a working distillery, but as a living part of the Dublin 8 community. A place where heritage will be preserved and celebrated for future generations. When the late Pearse Lyons and his wife Deirdre set out to restore the derelict site, they already knew of its personal significance. Pearse’s grandfather, John Hubert Lyons, had been born just around the corner on Echlin Street and in 1948 was laid to rest in the graveyard that surrounds the distillery grounds. This deep personal connection gave the project an even greater sense of purpose and place from the very beginning. The restoration took over four years to complete, carefully preserving the original structure while breathing new life into the building. Since opening its doors on July 25th, 2017, today celebrating its 8th birthday, Pearse Lyons Distillery has proudly stood as both a historical landmark and a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike.
Committed to supporting the community, the distillery has a policy to buy locally where possible and is proud to employ a passionate team creating local jobs. Pearse Lyons Distillery remains committed to creating a space that celebrates Dublin 8, a place of social, cultural and whiskey significance, not only as it was, but as it continues to grow for generations to come.
The distillery is committed to a sustainable grain-to-glass ethos. From 2020, every drop of whiskey distilled at the altar is crafted using sustainably grown grain from its own farm 25km from the distillery. Using an in-house cultivated yeast and matured in upcycled bourbon barrels from its sister distillery, Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, creating a unique spirit as iconic as the building it is distilled in.
This year, Pearse Lyons Distillery will be harvesting a historic cereal as part of a special project — one that brings back a farming technique that has not been used in Ireland for generations. It marks an exciting moment in the whiskey-making journey, combining tradition with innovation to create something truly distinctive.
To mark the celebration, Pearse Lyons Distillery is offering 15% off all products in its online store, along with free standard shipping across Ireland for the month of July. This limited-time offer is a heartfelt thank you to the loyal customers and supporters who have joined us on this journey.
Pearse Lyons Distillery is Dublin’s only independently family-owned distillery, located in the former St. James Church in the heart of the iconic Liberties district. This award-winning boutique distillery produces Pearse Irish Whiskey and other spirits. Named after the late Dr. Pearse Lyons, a master brewer, whiskey innovator, and founder of global animal health leader. Renovations to the distillery started distillation in 2012 at its brewery before opening the distillery in 2017. Driven by passion and family tradition, Pearse and his wife Deirdre aimed to create a unique distillery. The Lyons family’s legacy, including five generations of Dublin-based coopers, is honoured here. The distillery’s renowned tours offer an immersive experience in Irish whiskey distillation and the culture of The Liberties. Having retained for the third year, Bord Bia’s Origin Green Gold Member status, the distillery continues to champion sustainability, storytelling, and crafting products with a purpose. For more information, visit www.pearselyonsdistillery.com
About Ha’Penny Spirits:
The Ha’Penny Spirits range was created by a team of craft enthusiasts from Pearse Lyons Distillery, inspired by the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge, a symbol of Dublin’s unique and charismatic spirit. Dublin is a city of character and characters, warm, witty, and welcoming in equal measure. This spirit has connected people through the years, just as the Ha’Penny Bridge has united the people of Dublin. Alongside its award-winning Irish whiskeys, the distillery boasts The Gin School at Pearse Lyons Distillery that allows students to develop, distill, bottle and purchase their own personal gin creation.
About Alltech:
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Alltech’s portfolio includes specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and biologicals, all underpinned by a strong scientific foundation and a commitment to adaptability. As a private, family-owned company, Alltech emphasizes quick responses to customer needs and fosters a unique, entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Shake all ingredients well with ice and double-strain into a cedar smoked rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with the lemon peel.
“The Pig in the Parlour” is a phrase that refers to a historical practice where pigs were sometimes kept inside a family’s home, particularly in rural or cottage settings. This practice was more common in earlier centuries when people lived in small, simple homes and had a closer connection between their domestic animals and daily life, much like the families who lived on Pig’s Lane long ago. In such situations, a small section of the cottage, often called the “parlour,” would be used to house a pig. Today, among other nods to our historical roots, we pay a tribute to the traditions of old with our lovingly curated cocktail ‘The Pig in the Parlour’ featuring Pearse 7yr Irish Whiskey, White Port, Plum Cider Cordial, Citrus, Apricot & Peach Soda Water.
