Japanese beverage group Kirin Holdings has agreed to sell its Kentucky bourbon business Four Roses Distillery to E. & J. Gallo Winery for a price of up to USD 775 million. Founded in 1933, E. & J. Gallo Winery is the world’s largest family-owned winery and a leading global wine and spirits group with operations spanning more than 100 countries. To reflect its diversification strategy aimed at building a broad alcohol beverage portfolio, the company rebranded its public communications in February 2024, adopting Gallo instead of E. & J. Gallo Winery to signal its expansion beyond wine. This approach has focused on targeted acquisitions and investments in premium spirits, ready-to-drink beverages, and luxury wine brands to address evolving consumer preferences.
Kirin acquired Four Roses in 2002 and significantly expanded the brand, particularly in the US market, where it developed a strong reputation among bourbon enthusiasts. According to the company, the divestment is part of a broader portfolio review and will allow Kirin to reallocate capital toward businesses with higher strategic fit and growth potential, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Kirin retains its beer and beverage operations as well as its pharmaceutical subsidiary Kyowa Kirin.
For Gallo, the acquisition represents a major step in strengthening its premium spirits footprint. The group entered the American whiskey category in 2022 with Horse Soldier Bourbon and has since expanded its Spirit of Gallo division through investments in rum and gin brands across the Americas. Four Roses, known for its ten-recipe bourbon approach and restrained marketing style, ranks among the world’s leading bourbons by volume and is widely regarded as a benchmark in the ultra-premium segment.
Gallo has indicated that no immediate changes are planned for Four Roses’ operations, production, or distribution. However, the acquisition raises industry questions about whether the brand will maintain its niche focus on knowledgeable bourbon consumers or pursue broader market expansion under its new owner.
The transaction was confirmed on 6 February 2026 and is expected to close in the second quarter of the year, with full completion scheduled before the end of June.
