Dr. Pearce Lyons
Dr. Pearse Lyons was more than a businessman; he was a visionary who helped shape the modern brewing and distilling industries in Kentucky and beyond. Born on August 3, 1944, in Dundalk, Ireland, Lyons' story is one of passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days in Ireland to founding Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, his life's journey left an indelible mark on the world of spirits as well as agriscience.
Growing up in Ireland, Lyons was introduced to the world of brewing at a young age. His family had ties to the Irish brewing tradition, which sparked his early interest in fermentation and yeast science. He pursued this passion academically, earning a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from University College Dublin. Seeking deeper knowledge, Lyons later obtained a master's degree in brewing science from the British School of Malting and Brewing, and ultimately completed his Ph.D. in yeast fermentation at the University of Birmingham in England.
In the late 1970s, Dr. Lyons moved to the United States, where he would begin the next chapter of his life. Recognizing the potential for applying yeast fermentation beyond traditional brewing, he founded Alltech in 1980, using just $10,000 of startup capital. Alltech began as an animal nutrition company, focusing on natural yeast-based additives that improved livestock health. Under his leadership, the company grew into a global force in agriscience, operating in over 120 countries, and became a $2 billion company with over 40,000 customers worldwide.
Despite his success in agriculture, Dr. Lyons never forgot his roots in brewing and distilling. In 1999, he determined to pursue the idea and founded Alltech’s Brewing and Distilling division, Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company. This move laid the foundation for what would become Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. Opened in 2012, Town Branch was the first new distillery built within the city of Lexington in over 100 years. Before long, the gleaming new facility positioned itself as a key player on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Named after the section of gentle, rocky Elkhorn Creek that runs through the city, Town Branch Distillery soon became known for its distinctive bourbon, rye, and single malt whiskies. The distillery also produced craft beers, such as Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, which quickly gained national popularity. Under Lyons’ guidance, Town Branch combined traditional methods with modern science, embodying his belief that innovation and heritage could thrive side by side.
Dr. Pearse Lyons passed away from complications after heart surgery on March 8, 2018, at the age of 73. His death was felt deeply across several industries and many communities worldwide. Friends, employees, and leaders in Kentucky mourned the loss of a man who had not only created jobs but had also enriched communities through generous philanthropy, particularly in education and arts programs.
Dr. Lyons was not only a scientist and businessman but also a family man. He was married to Deirdre Lyons, who played an active role in Alltech’s corporate culture and philanthropic efforts. Together, the Lyons had two children: a son, Mark Lyons, who took over as Alltech’s president and CEO after Dr. Lyons' death, and a daughter, Dr. Aoife Lyons, who tragically died at the age of 45 just over one year after her father.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. remains family-owned, with Mark Lyons in command. Driven by his own passion for beer and spirits, Mark has a Ph.D. in solid-state fermentation. He also shares his father’s genuine love for brewing and distilling. Mark carries forward the legacy of his late father and, like Dr. Lyons, manifests a purpose-driven intention to celebrate the history of craft beverages while embracing innovation.
Today, Dr. Lyons’ legacy lives on through Mark’s leadership, Lexington Brewing Company’s continued innovations, and Town Branch Distillery’s growing reputation in the spirits industry. Dr. Lyons’ vision transformed Lexington into a key site for whiskey lovers and tourists. His life’s work showed that with determination, creativity, and heart, one person could bridge continents and industries.
In many ways, Dr. Pearse Lyons embodied the spirit of the products he created: rich in character, grounded in tradition, and forward-looking in vision.
Contributed by Tracy McLemore, Fairview, Tennessee
Sources:
Town Branch website, www.lexingtonbrewingco.com
Alltech website, www.alltech.com
