MB Roland Distillery is situated in Pembroke, Kentucky, southeast of Hopkinsville in Christian County. Based in 2009 by Paul and Merry Beth Tomaszewski, the distillery’s title was impressed by a sensible choice: “Tomaszewski” didn’t fairly match the basic Kentucky bourbon picture, so Paul selected to honor his spouse through the use of her maiden title, Roland, alongside along with her initials. A helpful tip for anybody contemplating a distillery enterprise—naming it after your partner would possibly simply be the way in which to go.
Formally registered as DSP-KY-15010, MB Roland proudly options “Previous 2nd District” on its bottles and barrel heads. This pays homage to Kentucky’s pre-Prohibition division into eight tax districts, with the 2nd district representing western Kentucky.
MB Roland’s dedication to native sourcing is obvious. All grains come from Kentucky, with food-grade white corn grown and cleaned by Christian County Grain. The rye comes from Walnut Farms in Logan County, whereas malted barley is sourced from South Fork Malthouse in Cynthiana, grown particularly for beverage distilling.
Fermentation lasts between 3.5 and 4 days. The distillery operates a 600-gallon stripping nonetheless and a 300-gallon spirit nonetheless, each handcrafted by Trident Stills. The distillation course of begins with hearts collected round 155 proof, with tails lower close to 117-118 proof, leading to gross hearts proof usually round 145. Barrel entry proof at present ranges between 102 and 104. All whiskey is bottled with out chill filtration.
In contrast to many younger distilleries that promote sourced whiskey whereas their very own distillate matures, MB Roland proudly states they’ve by no means bought sourced whiskey. Early releases carried a younger age assertion, however because the years have handed, the age of their whiskey has elevated accordingly.
So, the place does MB Roland Distillery stand in 2025? Let’s discover out.
MB Roland Previous 2nd District Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Overview
Previous 2nd District marks the second bottled in bond launch from MB Roland, following the debut of Barker’s Mill. Whereas Barker’s Mill incorporates a wheated bourbon mashbill, Previous 2nd District takes a unique method with a grain recipe of 78% white corn, 17% rye, and 5% malted barley.
The inaugural launch of Previous 2nd District was distilled in Fall 2020 and bottled in Spring 2025, following 4.5 years of maturation. This four-barrel batch aged in 53-gallon barrels from Kelvin Cooperage, every with a #4 char. The barrels had been wood-fired utilizing white oak trimmings from Kelvin’s manufacturing ground.
Consistent with the requirements of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, Previous 2nd District is bottled at precisely 100 proof. Previous to proofing down, the pure cask power of the batch measured 107.7 proof.
The white corn drives the nostril with a transparent observe of earthy polenta, rapidly adopted by successful of apple juice. Dried apricots and tangy clementines deliver steadiness and brightness to the preliminary profile.
On the palate, an earthy and fewer candy honey steps ahead alongside wealthy tones of dulce de leche. Because the tasting continues, dried figs and orange zest develop, supported by a weighty mouthfeel that displays the affect of double distillation on MB Roland’s Trident pot nonetheless.
The end delivers a contact of spicy pink peppercorn, adopted by extra honey and orange zest. The construction holds collectively properly, with every half flowing naturally into the following.
Previous 2nd District highlights how a lot MB Roland has advanced since its early, youthful releases. The white corn and pot nonetheless method give it a definite persona that’s considerably husky and dusky. It’s a rewarding bottle that shall be wildly interesting to many and bit too artful to others. For me, it’s one I’ll be glad to complete and cross round amongst buddies. 100 proof. B / $50
MB Roland Nonetheless and Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey Overview
Batch 21 is constructed from a mashbill of 95% white corn and 5% malted barley. Though the label notes a minimal age of two years, this batch contains whiskey aged for at the least three years, with some barrels matured for over 4. In accordance with the requirements of identification for corn whiskey, which require ageing in both used barrels or uncharred new ones, Batch 21 was aged solely in ex-bourbon barrels—particularly, barrels that beforehand held MB Roland’s personal bourbon, although not essentially all from the identical mashbill.
This launch blends whiskey from each 53-gallon and 25-gallon barrels, producing a complete yield of 687 bottles.
The nostril opens with a transparent hit of grilled corn on the cob, charred simply sufficient to present it a smoky edge. Chai spice follows carefully behind, including a spiced character that performs properly with the corn. Notes of recent hay come via subsequent, joined by a contact of orange peel. Sometimes, a recent scent can counsel one thing underdeveloped, however on this case, it’s oddly compelling. The corn observe stands out, nevertheless it doesn’t dominate.
On the palate, the corn shifts towards caramel popcorn and brown sugar, providing a barely candy, acquainted taste. Lemon zest provides a pointy distinction, whereas salted peanuts give the profile a extra grounded, savory aspect. The mouthfeel is oily and fairly satisfying, giving the whiskey a powerful presence on the tongue.
The end brings in a light-weight dusting of cinnamon spice, adopted by a mixture that calls to thoughts peanut M&Ms. Simply earlier than it fades, a mellow observe of candy tobacco lingers and brings issues to an in depth.
I didn’t count on a lot stepping into—corn whiskey is just too usually handled as a gimmick somewhat than one thing to take significantly. However this bottle challenged that notion in one of the best ways. MB Roland’s Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey, aged simply 3–4 years and priced at $46, delivers excess of its class usually suggests. It’s a standout pour and completely price a attempt for anybody prepared to rethink what corn whiskey can supply. 106.2 proof. B+ / $46
MB Roland Kentucky Straight Rye Overview
Batch 19 is distilled from a mashbill of 68% rye, 27% white corn, and 5% malted barley. This launch options rye whiskey aged for at least three years, with further barrels within the mix having matured for at the least 5 years. The batch consists of each 53-gallon and 25-gallon barrels, every charred to a stage #4.
The nostril opens with a crisp lemongrass observe alongside the spiced sweetness of cinnamon applesauce. Because it develops, there’s a shift towards a extra dessert-like character, harking back to a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie, including a layer of depth. It’s an pleasing and well-composed introduction.
On the palate, peppermint candies and wildflower honey take the lead. The midpalate brings in canned peaches and a contact of black pepper, with a notably oily texture—probably a results of the pot nonetheless distillation. The end carries over the peppermint, joined by roasted pecans, pickled ginger, and a touch of sunshine brown sugar.
Whereas the age assertion isn’t particularly spectacular, the general execution makes up for it. At $65, it feels only a bit above the place it needs to be—$55 can be a extra becoming value—besides, it delivers sufficient character to go away a really satisfying impression. 107,3 proof. B+ / $65 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
MB Roland Kentucky Straight Rye
USD65
Visited 11 instances, 11 go to(s) as we speak
