PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Brothers Wright Distilling Co. has officially acquired Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, including Pearse’s Place restaurant, the welcome center and tasting room in downtown Pikeville.

The move marks an expansion for the family-owned distillery and a new chapter for one of eastern Kentucky’s most recognizable craft beverage landmarks.

The 30,000-square-foot facility was originally launched by Alltech’s Lyons Brewing & Distilling Co. of Lexington.

Pearse’s Place will remain open during the transition, with plans to move the restaurant to the ground-floor to improve accessibility and visibility, with the upstairs being used for private events.

The Wright brothers, Shane and Kendall Wright, are known for aging bourbon in a repurposed underground coal mine in the Aflex community in Pike County.