Is this iconic whiskey brand up for sale?

Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at 06:32Financial Times

There’s a stir in the whiskey world. According to multiple sources, bourbon brand Four Roses may be up for sale. Its Japanese owner, Kirin Brewery Company, is reportedly looking to divest and open to bids. What exactly is going on?

FAQ

Who owns Four Roses Bourbon?
Kirin Brewery Company.

Where is Four Roses Bourbon made?
In the United States.

Where does the name Four Roses come from?
It’s named after a corsage of four roses.

Is Four Roses changing hands?

Four Roses is one of the most recognized bourbon brands in the world. Even so, current owner Kirin Brewery Company is said to be looking to sell. According to the Financial Times, the Japanese drinks group wants to offload the bourbon brand in the near term.

The Financial Times cites insiders connected to the brand and the investment bank involved. Kirin has reportedly already instructed UBS to seek potential buyers.

Bidding could begin as early as November this year, but suitors should be prepared to pay up. The brand is expected to fetch at least one billion dollars.

Impressive numbers for the bourbon maker

The timing of a sale is striking. While the global whisk(e)y market has come under some pressure, Four Roses has been bucking the trend. The brand has reported profits year after year.

Specifically, the Financial Times reports annual profits of around 70 million dollars. Four Roses ranks eighth worldwide among all bourbon brands.

Acquiring Four Roses could therefore be a strategic move for any player looking to strengthen its position in bourbon.

Kirin hasn’t said anything yet

The rumors surrounding the sale of Four Roses have not been confirmed by the owner. Kirin is keeping its cards close to its chest for now. For the moment, a change of ownership remains just that: a rumor.