A Time of Strategic Growth for Brothers Wright Distilling Co.
Brothers Wright Distilling Co., based in Eastern Kentucky, has officially acquired Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, along with Pearse’s Place restaurant, the welcome center, and tasting room in downtown Pikeville. The 30,000-square-foot facility was previously operated by Alltech’s Lyons Brewing & Distilling Co. and served as a symbol of Pikeville’s revitalization efforts. Co-founder Shannon Wright stated, “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.”
Honoring the Legacy of Dueling Barrels
Dueling Barrels was founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons and his wife, Deirdre Lyons, as Eastern Kentucky’s first combined beer, bourbon, and moonshine facility. Mark Lyons, CEO of Lyons Brewing & Distilling, said, “Although my father never had the opportunity to open the Pikeville distillery he had dreamt of… we are honored to see our distillery become the Wright Brothers’ new home.”
Underground Aging and Facility Enhancements
Brothers Wright is known for aging its bourbon in a repurposed underground coal mine in Aflex, Kentucky. With the new acquisition, the company will centralize primary spirits production in downtown Pikeville, which features Vendome copper pot stills, fermenters, and a brewing system capable of producing 40,000 barrels annually. Plans include installing a 14-inch Vendome column still to increase production and contract distilling capabilities.
Expansion at Aflex Site and Community-Focused Plans
The company will relocate the moonshine still to its Aflex facility, where a 12,000-square-foot expansion is underway. This includes a barrel-filling line, packaging line, coal mining museum, restaurant, and live music venue. The Aflex site will also host new tours highlighting the brand’s underground aging process and regional history.
Enhancing Pearse’s Place and Community Engagement
Pearse’s Place restaurant will remain open during the transition. Brothers Wright intends to relocate it to Pikeville’s Second Street for improved visibility and access. Plans include a new stage for local music acts, expanded kitchen facilities, and offering the upstairs as a private event venue. “We’re excited to build on that legacy — infusing new energy and experiences while preserving the spirit and story that make this place so special,” said Kendall Wright.
Commitment to Economic and Cultural Development
This acquisition positions Pikeville as a growing hub within Kentucky’s distilling landscape. Brothers Wright Distilling Co. emphasized its long-term goal of job creation, tourism development, and cultural preservation. More announcements regarding the facility’s reopening and programming are expected in the coming months.
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