Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, announces early preparations for its upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration in October. As Bourbon Heritage Month winds down at the end of September, the company is excited to keep the festivities going and extend the celebration into October for its anniversary. The celebration will be filled with special events and activities designed to continue the excitement and honor Lexington Brewing & Disitlling Co.’s rich history.
October marks the anniversary month for the modern-day Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., which has been proudly and independently owned and operated by the Lyons family since 1999, when the operation was acquired.
The first era of Lexington Brewing Co. began in the 1890s and ended during Prohibition, with the brewery changing ownership several times in the decades that followed. When Pearse Lyons and his son, Mark, explored the brewery in 1999, it was still in operation but required significant improvement and modernization. Pearse, a visionary and entrepreneur, recognized its potential due to its iconic past. Fueled by a passion for brewing and distilling that runs through the Lyons family’s lineage of Irish coopers, Pearse revived Lexington Brewing Co. and restored a craft beer tradition dating back to the 1700s. Brewing resumed immediately, and by 2006, the first freshly decanted bourbon barrels were filled with Kentucky Ale, paving the way for what is now one of the largest barrel-aged beer facilities in the world and the creators of the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. Upcycling fresh bourbon barrels to produce barrel-aged beer quickly became a hallmark of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
Pearse’s vision naturally extended to distilling, given his background in fermentation, his family’s heritage, and Kentucky’s bourbon tradition. In the spring of 2008, two copper pot stills commissioned from Scotland arrived in Lexington, and distillation began that autumn. Four years later, in autumn 2012, the ribbon was cut on Town Branch Distillery, located across from the brewery. This marked the opening of the first new distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, in over 100 years and officially made it the 7th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Those gleaming copper pot stills now stand as a testament to timeless traditions and the bold imagination of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. as it prepares to celebrate a milestone of 25 years.
A Week-Month of Festivities to Celebrate 25 Years
Join Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. in October for a weeklong celebration of its 25th anniversary. From Oct. 1-5, the Visitor Center will be the epicenter of festivities, featuring exclusive tastings, unique releases, and vibrant events that highlight Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.’s rich tradition and innovation.
Kick off the week with a series of exciting whiskey and beer releases, featuring a 5-year aged and barrel-proof beer, the oldest Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey ever bottled-in-bond, and two new whiskey releases showcasing freshly matured wheated bourbon mash bill. Enjoy music, delicious food, and craft cocktails designed to complement these special releases throughout the week. The company will also host lively parties, including a finish line bash for the Ragnar Bourbon Chase, complete with a DJ, food trucks, and a Kentucky Bourbon Trail tasting area. Stay tuned for additional festivities throughout October as Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. continues to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
This is more than just a celebration—it’s a tribute to the passion and dedication that have defined Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.’s 25 years. The company invites you to raise a glass with them, explore special releases, and experience the spirit of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. during this unforgettable week of festivities.
25th Anniversary Week-Month Celebration Highlights:
Annual Cocktail Book + Whiskey Release Tasting – Tuesday October 1st @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)
- 25th Anniversary Cocktail Book w/ recipes from bars/bartenders around the world and for sale onsite only
- Town Branch Overproof Kentucky Straight Whiskey – New Release & Complimentary Token Tasting
- Town Branch 7yr Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey – Allocated Release & Complimentary Token Tasting
- Happy Hour Menu + Outside Music and Mingling (Weather Permitting)
Kentucky® Pumpkin Barrel Ale Fest – Wednesday October 2nd @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)
- Vintage 2023 Kentucky® Pumpkin Barrel Ale Release + Charity Pumpkin Fest Fundraiser
- Kentucky® Pumpkin Barrel Ale Complimentary Token Tasting
- Happy Hour Drinks w/ Pumpkin Inspired Hand-Crafted Cocktails
25th Anniversary Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon Release – Thursday October 3rd @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)
- Town Branch 25th Anniversary Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon Release + Complimentary Token Tasting
- Happy Hour Menu w/ Overproof Inspired Cocktails
- After Party at Bluegrass Tavern – 8pm to Late (115 Cheapside, Lexington, KY 40507)
25th Anniversary Liars & Lambs Beer Release (Kentucky Only) – Friday October 4th @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)
- Liars & Lambs Raspberry Brown Ale – Kentucky Only Release + Complimentary Token Tasting
- Happy Hour Menu w/ Beer & Spirits Specials
- After Party at The Jockey Bar + Tap Takeover – 8pm to Late (131 Cheapside, Lexington, KY 40507)
Ragnar Bourbon Chase Finish Line Party – Saturday October 5th @ Visitor Center (10am-8pm)
- Finish Line Party w/ DJ, Food Trucks, Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tasting Area
- Special Releases available within the Visitor Center – Merch, Bottles, Drinks, etc.