Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, announced early preparations for its upcoming 25^th Anniversary Celebration in October 2024. 

As Bourbon Heritage Month winds down at the end of September, we’re excited to keep the festivities going and extend the celebration into October for our anniversary. Join us for a month filled with special events and activities designed to continue the excitement and honor our rich history.

October marks the anniversary month for the modern-day Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., which has been 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 us in October for a weeklong celebration of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.’s 25th anniversary, where we’re pulling out all the stops to mark this milestone in style! From October 1st to October 5th, the Visitor Center will be the epicenter of festivities, featuring exclusive tastings, unique releases, and vibrant events that highlight our 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 our freshly matured wheated bourbon mash bill. Enjoy music, delicious food, and craft cocktails designed to complement these special releases throughout the week. We’ll 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 we continue to celebrate our 25th Anniversary.

This is more than just a celebration—it’s a tribute to the passion and dedication that have defined our 25 years. We invite you to raise a glass with us, explore our special releases, and experience the spirit of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. during this unforgettable week of festivities.

25^th Anniversary Week-Month Celebration Highlights:

Annual Cocktail Book + Whiskey Release Tasting – Tuesday October 1^st @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)

• 25^th 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 2^nd @ 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

25^th Anniversary Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon Release – Thursday October 3^rd @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)

• Town Branch 25^th 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)

25^th Anniversary Liars & Lambs Beer Release (Kentucky Only) – Friday October 4^th @ 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 5^th @ 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.

Read more: Town Branch Releases Two New Bourbons in Observance of Bourbon Heritage Month

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Town Branch Distillery, which is a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com.