Kirin to sell Four Roses Bourbon to E&J Gallo for up to US$775M
Kirin divests Four Roses bourbon as E&J Gallo strengthens its spirits portfolio with a major US whiskey acquisition.
USA – Japanese brewer Kirin Holdings has agreed to sell its Kentucky bourbon brand Four Roses to US-based E&J Gallo Winery in a transaction valued at up to US$775 million, marking a significant shift in Kirin’s global spirits strategy.
Kirin, which acquired Four Roses in 2002, said it expects to complete the transaction in the second quarter, subject to regulatory approvals, including US antitrust clearance.
The sale price includes a base consideration of ¥120 billion (US$767 million), with an additional ¥8 billion (US$51 million) contingent on Four Roses meeting undisclosed post-acquisition revenue targets.
“The sale will allow Kirin to reallocate its resources toward businesses that could further grow by leveraging Kirin’s own organisational capabilities,” the company said in a statement.
The transaction follows reports in October by the Financial Times that Kirin had engaged UBS to explore potential buyer interest in the bourbon brand, which has recorded strong performance in recent years.
While Kirin did not disclose financial metrics, it said Four Roses had delivered “strong growth,” driven “primarily in the US market.”
Founded in 1888, Four Roses is produced at its distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and is widely recognised as a leading premium bourbon brand in the US.
E&J Gallo Winery confirmed the acquisition and said there would be no operational changes following the deal.
“As we move through the regulatory process and await a closing date, we’re incredibly excited about this acquisition and the opportunity to welcome Four Roses into our portfolio,” a Gallo spokesperson said. “No changes are planned to operations, production, or distribution. We will have no further comment until after closing.”
Gallo’s spirits portfolio includes High Noon ready-to-drink products and New Amsterdam vodka, and it also distributes brands for other distillers such as Whyte & Mackay.
The acquisition further strengthens its Spirits of Gallo division, which has expanded in recent years through deals outside the traditional wine category.
In 2024, Gallo acquired rum brand Ron del Barrilito and Derrumbes mezcal for undisclosed amounts, following a strategic investment in lager producer Montucky Cold Snacks two years earlier.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
