E&J Gallo Winery agreed to acquire Four Roses for up to $775 million, a move that underscores the enduring appeal of ultra-premium bourbon, Shanken News Daily reported last night. Kirin Holdings — the Japanese beverage conglomerate that has owned Four Roses since 2002 — began shopping the Kentucky bourbon at a value of $1 billion in October, the Financial Times reported. The deal is slated to close in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026.
The acquisition marks Gallo’s second foray in the American whiskey category. It first entered the field in 2022 with the purchase of Horse Soldier Bourbon. The sale is a major leap for the American beverage conglomerate that already has a robust portfolio including ready-to-drink offerings like High Noon and premium spirits like single malt Scotch The Dalmore.
