LEXINGTON, Ky, March 12, 2025— As Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, prepares for its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Lexington, Kentucky, it celebrates a unique connection to Ireland. As the sole U.S. importer of Pearse Lyons Distillery, the only family-owned distillery housed in a church in Dublin, Ireland and the makers of the famed Ha’Penny Spirits range, selecting the right whiskey for the occasion can be a challenge. This year, however, the choice was easy. To honor the newly matured wheated bourbon mash bill that Town Branch Distillery has been blending into several new products of late, it’s only fitting to raise a glass of Ha’Penny Four Cask Whiskey, its Wheated Irish Whiskey cousin– Sláinte!
Ha’Penny Four Cask Wheated Irish Whiskey – 86 Proof
Ha’Penny Four Cask Wheated Irish Whiskey is named after the historic Ha’Penny Bridge in central Dublin, which has been uniting people since 1816. The bridge once charged a ha’penny (half-penny) to cross and was built to replace dangerous ferry crossings on the River Liffey.
The whiskey is as unique as the bridge itself— a Wheated Irish Whiskey made from 100% Irish-grown grains and aged in a blend of four different cask types: Port Pipe, Bourbon Barrel, Sherry Butt, and Double Charred Barrels. The team at Pearse Lyons Distillery chose to use wheat over corn grain in their whiskey as part of an ongoing commitment to sustainability, alongside upcycling empty barrels for aging.
The locally sourced wheat grain whiskey makes up 66% of the blend, with the remaining 34% coming from single malt whiskey produced at the altar of Pearse Lyons Distillery. This results in a Wheated Irish Whiskey that delivers flavors of vanilla, honey, caramel, toasted oak, toffee, vanilla ice cream, and banana. The combination of wheat grain, malt whiskey, and diverse casks creates a rich, spicy, and versatile whiskey perfect for any occasion.
Sustainability Focused
The decision to use locally sourced wheat for the Ha’Penny Spirits range was made to supplement the small batch distillation capacity at Pearse Lyons Distillery, which primarily focuses on Single Malt and Irish Pot Still Whiskeys.
“We chose wheat grain over corn grain whiskey because corn doesn’t grow as well in Ireland, making it less sustainable and less locally inspired,” says Conor Ryan, Head of Production Operations at Pearse Lyons Distillery.
This choice is part of a broader effort toward a more sustainable future. Sustainability has always been a priority at the distillery, from repurposing the former St. James Church into a distillery to using upcycled barrels from their U.S. operations. Pearse Lyons Distillery has also achieved Origin Green Ireland Gold Membership Status for three consecutive years.
The work is ongoing, but each step matters and since 2020, the distillery has been growing its own grains on its own farm, utilizing its own crop sciences, in-house yeast (courtesy of Alltech), and distilling exclusive Irish Single Malt and Irish Pot Still Whiskeys— all with a focus on sustainability. This effort continues the legacy started by the late Dr. Pearse Lyons and carried on by the Lyons family today.
Brand Highlights:
Ha’Penny Four Cask Wheated Irish Whiskey – 86 Proof (SRP $34.99/750ml)
- Ha’penny Four Cask Wheated Irish whiskey is a blend of four different cask types and two styles of whiskey. With 66% of the blend as a wheat grain whiskey, this wheated Irish whiskey has received numerous accolades including an Irish Whiskey Masters Gold Medal from The Spirits Business.
- Classification: Irish Whiskey; blended
- Distillery: Pearse Lyons Distillery – Dublin, Ireland
- Mash Bill: 66% Irish wheat grain whiskey / 34% Irish single malt whiskey
- Cooperage: Blend from four cask types
- Port Pipe aged Single Malt Whiskey
- Bourbon Barrel aged Single Malt Whiskey
- Sherry Butt aged Wheat Grain Whiskey
- Double Charred aged Wheat Grain Whiskey
- Age: Blended NAS (Non-Age Statement); 4 -10 years age range
- ABV: 43% / 86 Proof
- Estimated Availability: Available Nationwide and Internationally
