In its debut, Pearse Lyons Reserve captured the bronze medal in the single malt whiskey category at the American Distilling Institute’s Craft Distilling Conference in Portland, Oregon, held April 4-8.
“Pearse Lyons Reserve is a personal passion of mine. I’d always dreamt of having my own whiskey after growing up under generations of coopers,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “I am thrilled that Pearse Lyons Reserve is being so well-received by critics even in its first year.”
Distilled in dual copper pot stills from Scotland, Pearse Lyons Reserve received a rating of 90 from WhiskyCast. “The nose is sweet with notes of molasses and brown sugar, a touch of nutmeg, and vanilla. The taste is smooth and spicy with hot chili peppers that fade slowly to reveal slightly tart notes of lemon crème and molasses. The finish is dry and long with a subtle touch of oak and a hint of brown sugar,” noted WhiskyCast.
Alltech, a global leader in the animal health and nutrition industry, has established itself as an innovator in the burgeoning craft distillery business with brands including Pearse Lyons Reserve malt whiskey and the unique Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee beverage.
Both products are produced at Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, which has been crafting award-winning beers – Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light, and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – since 2000. It is believed to be one of the few sites in the world to house both brewing and distilling in one location. Tours are available at 401 Cross Street, Lexington, Ky., on Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m.
From an ancestral line including more than five generations of coopers, Lyons vowed as a young man that he would one day have his own whiskey. Pearse Lyons Reserve was unveiled to the world on his birthday in 2010, just before the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
For more information, visit www.LyonsSpirits.com.
