Big news for the booze world today, as Victorian gin distillery Four Pillars has been acquired by drinks giant, Lion, for a rumoured $50 million.

The announcement comes a little over four years since Lion purchased 50 percent of the Yarra Valley-based gin business. The acquisition includes ownership of the world class distillery in Healesville and all domestic and international sales and marketing of the brand.

Four Pillars co-founders – chief distiller, Cameron Mackenzie and brand and strategy director, Matt Jones – will remain in the business in their current capacities while co-founder and trade director Stuart Gregor will remain in the short-term before taking an extended sabbatical. With a payday like that, we don’t blame him.

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The little distillery that could has joined other big names in the Lion portfolio, which includes XXXX, Tooheys, White Claw, Fortaleza tequila, and 5 Seeds cider.

Just over a decade ago, the gin company became an instant hit with local drinkers and gained a flock of devoted fans with their seasonal release of the Bloody Shiraz Gin and more recently the Bloody Pinot Gin.

On the acquisition, Mackenzie said “This is a great day for our brand, the business, our home in Healesville, our investors, families and staff. It does feel like it’s been a whirlwind 10 years, and this feels like the absolute right next step.”

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