Kirin Puts Four Roses Bourbon Up for Sale at $1 Billion

Lexington, KY — Japanese brewer Kirin Holdings has listed its Kentucky bourbon brand Four Roses for sale, with a price tag of $1 billion. This news comes from the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.

A spokesperson for Four Roses did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Meanwhile, Kirin Holdings acknowledged the reports but declined to provide further details.

According to Reuters, Kirin is enlisting advisers in the U.S. to assist in the sale process. The company, which also has interests in beverages, beers, and pharmaceuticals, appears to be shifting its focus toward health care.

The bourbon industry in Kentucky, valued at approximately $9 billion, has faced challenges recently due to decreasing demand for American whiskey, attributed partially to ongoing trade tensions involving the Trump administration and Canada.

Major bourbon producers have either reduced output or halted production altogether, while smaller distilleries are experiencing financial difficulties, with some facing bankruptcy or receivership.

Kirin acquired Four Roses in 2002. The brand was once part of the Seagram portfolio but struggled with its identity as a blend of lower-tier whiskeys. Under the direction of master distiller Jim Rutledge, Four Roses has returned to producing quality straight bourbon.

The distillery has a rich history, dating back to 1888, and completed a $55 million expansion in 2015. It utilizes two distinct recipes and five proprietary yeast strains to create ten different varieties that mix to produce unique flavor profiles. Four Roses reportedly brings in around $70 million in adjusted earnings annually.