A look back at The Wine Centre event "From Kentucky to Kilkenny with Pearse Lyons"

By Bianka McDonagh, Whiskey Ambassador at The Dylan Whisky Bar, Kilkenny, Ireland

Pic: Ger Daly and Bianka McDonagh enjoying the evening at The Wine Centre

What a wonderful evening we spent at The Wine Centre in Kilkenny in the company of Irish Whiskey legends Michael Carr and Conor Ryan. The evening kicked off in the shop with a cocktail called “Liberties Lemonade” (made from Ha’penny Whiskey, lemon juice and honey, delicious!) before we were brought into the “secret garden” where we learned about the connections between the USA where Pearse Lyons founded Alltech as well as the connections between Carlow and Dublin. The stills once stood in O’Hara’s brewery in Bagenalstown, where head distiller Jack O’Shea started distilling the first drop in 2012. That was the first time in over 200 years that whiskey was distilled in Co. Carlow.

Pic: Conor Ryan tells the story of Pearse Lyons Distillery

I personally love this unique distillery which is housed in a deconsecrated church in the Liberties in Dublin. Pearse Lyons ancestors are buried in the graveyard on the grounds of the church.

We tasted the new make whiskey along with a few unique drams that are hard to get including a 12 year old Cask strength matured in Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale casks. We also had pairings of the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Single Malt produced in Kentucky, which is very unusual in itself.

Pic: Michael Carr of Pearse Irish Whiskey

The Wine Centre spoiled us with their lovely food and the entire event was run with passion by all involved.

Thank you so much Dante from the Wine Centre and his staff for the efficient and friendly service, Cyril Briscoe and the chairpersons of the Kilkenny Whiskey Guild and last but not least our stars Conor Ryan and Michael Carr, who once worked as a model in Vietnam but sin scéal eile… 😉