FDBusiness.com

Pearse Lyons Distillery, the family-owned Dublin-based distillery celebrated for its commitment to innovation, heritage, and sustainability, has announced a major expansion into the United Kingdom through a strategic partnership with JBE Imports. This move marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s global growth strategy while reinforcing its commitment to the European and U.S. markets.

The UK launch will officially debut at this year’s Bar Convent London (BCB London), taking place June 30–July 1, one of the leading international trade shows celebrating the best of the hospitality and drinks industry. The partnership with JBE Imports — founded in 2013 by a team with over 20 years of excellence in building premium brands and delivering memorable experiences — will ensure Pearse Lyons’ range of distinctive Irish spirits reaches new audiences with the care and passion they deserve.

“This is more than just market expansion,” said Conor Ryan, Head of Production Operations at Pearse Lyons Distillery. “It’s about finding partners who align with our values and vision, and JBE Imports is exactly that. We’re excited to bring the Pearse Lyons story to more people across the UK and beyond.”

Additional growth is planned for other emerging regions with an emphasis on storytelling and utilizing the distillery’s unique point of origin to create memories and experiences for its partners. Pearse Lyons Distillery although young in years brings a significant part of Ireland’s history back into conversation in a meaningful way.

Global Growth, Innovation and Visitor Experiences on the Horizon

As part of its broader global vision, Pearse Lyons Distillery has expanded its export team to accelerate market development across Europe and other international regions. This dedicated team allows for a sharper focus on emerging opportunities while strengthening relationships in key export destinations.

The U.S. remains the largest market for Irish whiskey, accounting for roughly 40% of global exports. To support this critical region, Pearse Lyons is reinforcing its U.S. presence through its sister distillery, Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. By realigning assets toward long-term spirits development, the brand ensures consistent, dedicated support for U.S. partners and consumers. This strategy also positions Pearse Lyons to better navigate potential headwinds—such as looming tariffs—through a more integrated sales and marketing approach.

Looking ahead, the distillery is preparing for a wave of product innovation in 2025 and 2026 to support the planned expansions while exciting its existing and new partners. This innovation will be done by deepening its commitment to sustainability and agriculture to drive innovation which will include access to estate-grown grain expressions, up-cycled barrel finishes and blends and its commitment to Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme which the distillery is currently a Gold Membership Recipient for ongoing sustainability initiatives for the past three years running.

Pearse Lyons Distillery is also investing in its on-site visitor experience, offering guests an even more immersive and hands-on journey through Irish spirits. Expanded offerings within its:

• Pearse Irish Whiskey Blending Experience, where guests can craft their own blend alongside the distillery’s expert team
• The Gin School at Pearse Lyons Distillery, a creative botanical distilling session for gin enthusiasts onsite
• The upcoming reopening of Pearse’s Place, the distillery’s exclusive speakeasy-style cocktail bar, offering an intimate space to enjoy its portfolio of spirits
• Linked to the Camino de Santiago, St. James Church which now houses Pearse Lyons Distillery, was believed to be the starting point in Dublin for this iconic pilgrimage which again welcome guests to start their own journey.

Pearse Lyons Distillery is Dublin’s only independently family-owned distillery, located in the former St. James Church in the heart of the 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 Alltech, the distillery started distillation in 2012 at its brewery before opening the distillery in 2017 after renovations to the church.