Everything you need to know about MB Roland Distillery

Overview & History

MB Roland Distillery is located in Pembroke, Kentucky, near the Tennessee border. Founded in 2009 by Paul and Merry Beth Tomaszewski, the distillery is a small-scale craft operation focused on traditional Kentucky whiskey production.

The distillery sits on a working farm and emphasises locally sourced grains and hands-on production methods. Unlike large industrial bourbon distilleries, MB Roland maintains a strong craft identity with smaller batch sizes and traditional equipment.

Production

• Spirit Type: Bourbon, rye, and specialty American whiskies

• Distillation: Copper pot stills (rare in modern Kentucky bourbon production)

• Grain Source: Locally grown Kentucky corn and grains

• Barrels: New charred American oak barrels

• Production Scale: Small batch craft distilling

Pot still distillation produces a heavier, more textured spirit compared with the column still systems used by most large Kentucky producers.

Whisky Style

MB Roland whiskies typically show:

• Rich corn sweetness

• Vanilla and caramel

• Toasted oak

• Light baking spice

• Full-bodied mouthfeel

Because of the pot still production, the spirit often retains more grain character and weight.

Key Expressions

• MB Roland Straight Bourbon – Core bourbon expression

• MB Roland Rye Whiskey – Spice-forward rye

• MB Roland Dark Fired Bourbon – Uses dark-fired corn for a smoky influence

• MB Roland Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Small batch releases

The Dark Fired Bourbon is one of the distillery’s more distinctive products.

Significance

MB Roland represents the modern American craft distilling movement. Its emphasis on pot still distillation, farm-based production, and local grain sourcing contrasts with the industrial scale of traditional Kentucky bourbon producers.

While small in output, it reflects the diversification of American whiskey styles that has developed alongside the bourbon boom of the 21st century.