We are a lucky lot at the Fitzwilliam Hotel as we have a great team eager to learn about our surroundings. Our intrepid head concierge Patrick Fitzgibbon and his team headed off to explore Dublin’s newest distillery and check out their review:
Pearse Lyons Distillery is a lot more than a distillery. It’s history, it’s a renovation, it’s a dream come true. Located in the Liberties district of Dublin City, Pearse Lyons Distillery is the brain child of entrepreneur Dr Pearse Lyons.
The setting is the derelict St. James Church surrounded by a graveyard. Dr Pearse Lyons’ grandfather, James Hubert Lyons is actually interned in the graveyard so this particular church holds strong sentimental value for the site of the distillery. Deirdre, the wife of Pearse Lyons also had a hand in the renovations.
Once arriving at the distillery, the most striking feature is the glass steeple. Discreet lighting turns the steeple from Valentine’s Day red to signature blue. Enter the visitors centre and wait for your allotted time slot and the tour begins.
Bernard and Tiernan are just two of the amazing guides who will share the history of the church, graveyard and explain the whole distillation process. Once entering the church you can’t help but notice the ‘Little Lizzie’ the spirit stills sat in front of the amazing stained glass window, where the whisky is double distilled. To the right is ‘Mighty Molly’, The Wash Still which is also situated in front of another beautiful stained glass window. The Wash is the first process of the distillation process. It’s definitely the photo opportunity you’re waiting for.
Once the tour is finished you are invited to take a tasting of the various blends of Pearse Lyons Whiskey. Should you be able to take in more alcohol there is an opportunity to taste the distinctive Pearse Lyons very own Ha’Penny Gin.
All in all the tour and tasting takes approximately 90 minutes. There is also an opportunity to purchase any whiskeys that may have appealed to your taste buds, along with trinkets available in the gift shop.
Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast, someone passionate about history, or have an interest in restorations and architectural redevelopments, Pearse Lyons Distillery is the place for you. Just don’t’ tell everyone, or we’ll never get in again….
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