Gallo finalises $775m buyout of Four Roses Bourbon
US firm Gallo has completed its multi-million-dollar purchase of Four Roses Bourbon from Japan’s Kirin Holdings.
California-based wine and spirits company Gallo was the rumoured frontrunner for the purchase of Kentucky’s Four Roses Bourbon last October. It was confirmed in February that Gallo had agreed to buy the brand from Kirin for approximately US$775 million.
Gallo said the deal would bring the iconic Bourbon brand back under US family ownership for the first time in 83 years.
The US firm believes the acquisition strengthens Gallo’s global presence in the premium spirits category and increases the company’s footprint in Europe and Japan.
“Four Roses is one of the most respected Bourbons in the world – defined by heritage and craftsmanship – and Kirin was instrumental in re-establishing the brand as a premium straight whiskey in the US,” said Britt West, chief commercial officer of Gallo.
“Gallo has more than five decades of expertise in spirits distillation, maturation, and brand building. We are committed to upholding Four Roses’ quality and building the brand as a cornerstone of our portfolio through increased consumer and trade engagement, innovation, and global expansion.”
The new parent company said it would maintain the brand’s liquid, production, traditions and people following the deal. As such, Four Roses’ existing team will remain in place, including master distiller Brent Elliott.
“This is an incredibly exciting chapter for Four Roses and a meaningful milestone in our 138-year history,” Elliott added.
“From the beginning, Gallo demonstrated deep respect and appreciation for the brand. As we join the Gallo family, we are energised by the alignment in values and the long-term vision they bring.
“With their support, we’re well-positioned to build on our momentum while staying true to the quality and character that have guided us for generations.”
Last month, the brand launched a new campaign called Meet Me With Four Roses.
Four Roses operates a distillery and visitor centre in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and a bottling and warehouse facility in Nelson County.
High Noon owner Gallo made its first move into the American whiskey category in July 2022 with a strategic investment in Horse Soldier Bourbon.
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