LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — One of Kentucky's most iconic distilleries may be up for sale, with a steep price tag of $1 billion.
Kirin, the Japanese parent company of Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, has been advised to leave the bourbon industry, as reported by our partners at Louisville Business First.
Kirin bought Four Roses in 2002, its only American distillery in its portfolio that consists of beverage alcohol companies, soft drink companies, health science and pharmaceuticals.
Business First reports Kirin was advised by UBS, an international investment bank, to sell Four Roses and focus more on adding health care companies to its portfolio. Reports said initial bids are expected next month.
The distiller's adjusted annual earnings of $70 million is why the asking price is so high.
The possible sale comes after two major upgrades within the past five years at the distiller, which was founded in 1888 by Louisville businessman Paul Jones Jr.
In 2019, Four Roses doubled production capacity after completing a $55 million expansion. In 2021, the Kentucky distillery opened a newly updated visitor center.
According to data compiled by Business First, Four Roses main distillery had more than 58,000 visitors in 2024 while its warehouses and bottling tour at the Cox's Creek facility brought in more than 8,000 visitors.
Louisville Business First said they reached out to Kirin and UBS for comment, but they declined.
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