After seven years of operation in downtown Pikeville, Lyons Brewing & Distilling has transferred ownership of Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery to Brothers Wright Distilling Co., the two companies announced in statements July 10.
Dueling Barrels was born from the vision of Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons, who saw untapped potential in Pikeville’s mountain landscape, rich craftsmanship and hardworking people — all reminiscent of his native Ireland, according to Lorie Hailey
Alltecth director of communications. Pearse and his wife, Deirdre Lyons, who oversaw the facility’s design and construction, brought to life a world-class visitor experience that celebrated the region’s brewing and distilling heritage, according to the statement.
As Eastern Kentucky’s first combined beer, bourbon and moonshine operation, Dueling Barrels — along with its visitor center and restaurant/taproom, Pearse’s Place — quickly became a popular destination for thousands of visitors, she said.
The statement said the facility is entering a new chapter under the leadership of Brothers Wright, a spirits company rooted in Appalachian tradition and innovation. Brothers Wright is acquiring the 30,000-square-foot facility, which houses three Vendome copper pot stills and 19 fermenters, with the capacity to produce 40,000 brewer’s barrels annually. The onsite restaurant, Pearse’s Place, will remain open with its current team members retained, ensuring continuity and continued investment in Pikeville’s growth.
“Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery reflects two of our family’s greatest passions — craft brewing and distilling and community impact through entrepreneurship,” said Mark Lyons, CEO of Lyons Brewing & Distilling. “Although my father never had the opportunity to open the Pikeville distillery he had dreamt of and dedicated himself to making a reality, my mother and I know that he would be thrilled to see Dueling Barrels begin a new chapter with an entrepreneurial family who share our passion for the craft. We are honored to see our distillery become the Wright Brothers’ new home and are excited about what is in store for the City of Pikeville and spirits enthusiasts everywhere.”
Brothers Wright was founded in 2021 by brothers Kendall Wright and Shannon Wright on a 1,200-acre reclaimed mining property, later converted to a farm in Pike County. The company is known for its ingenuity, aging Kentucky straight bourbon in a repurposed underground coal mine — a method that reflects the deep connection between Appalachian tradition and innovation.
“This acquisition represents more than just an expansion of our operations — it’s a deepening of our investment in Pikeville, Pike County, and the future of Eastern Kentucky,” said Shannon Wright, co-founder of Brothers Wright Distilling Co. “We’re proud to be part of the downtown Pikeville scene and are committed to growing not just our business, but the entire region’s economy through job creation, tourism, and celebrating the culture that makes this place home.”
The Wright brothers, the statement said, bring with them a deep passion for Kentucky bourbon and a strong respect for the legacy of coal mining. They have infused those values — hard work, care and perseverance — into their craft. Under Brothers Wright’s ownership, the legacy of Dueling Barrels — and of Dr. Lyons — will live on.
“We are honored to carry forward the vision the Lyons family brought to life in Pikeville,” said Kendall Wright, co-founder and vice president of Brothers Wright Distilling Co. “Dueling Barrels has become a symbol of pride for the community, and we’re excited to build on that foundation — bringing new energy, experiences and offerings while honoring the roots that make this place so special.
With this acquisition, Brothers Wright will centralize its primary spirits production in Pikeville. In addition to Dueling Barrels’ existing distilling equipment, Brothers Wright plans to install a 14-inch Vendome column still to expand production capacity and meet growing contract distilling demand.
To strengthen its connection to Pikeville’s newly revitalized Second Street, Brothers Wright plans to move the Pearse’s Place restaurant to the ground floor, creating a more welcoming and visible space for the community. A small stage will be added to the retail area to spotlight local music talent, while the upstairs kitchen will be expanded to support an updated food and beverage program. The upstairs venue will also be available to rent for private parties, local business events and community gatherings, making the space a true hub for hospitality and connection, the statement said.
The facility’s existing 350-gallon moonshine still will be relocated to the Brothers Wright site in Aflex, home to its unique underground barrel-aging mine, which is currently undergoing a 12,000-square-foot expansion. The upgraded site will include a barrel filling and packaging line, coal mining museum, restaurant, live music venue and immersive tours.
