Review: MB Roland Old 2nd District, Rye, and Corn Whiskey
MB Roland Distillery is located in Pembroke, Kentucky, southeast of Hopkinsville in Christian County. Founded in 2009 by Paul and Merry Beth Tomaszewski, the distillery’s name was inspired by a practical decision: “Tomaszewski” didn’t quite fit the classic Kentucky bourbon image, so Paul chose to honor his wife by using her maiden name, Roland, along with her initials. A handy tip for anyone considering a distillery venture—naming it after your spouse might just be the way to go.
Officially registered as DSP-KY-15010, MB Roland proudly features “Old 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 commitment to local sourcing is clear. 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, while malted barley is sourced from South Fork Malthouse in Cynthiana, grown specifically for beverage distilling.
Fermentation lasts between 3.5 and 4 days. The distillery operates a 600-gallon stripping still and a 300-gallon spirit still, both handcrafted by Trident Stills. The distillation process begins with hearts collected around 155 proof, with tails cut near 117-118 proof, resulting in gross hearts proof typically around 145. Barrel entry proof currently ranges between 102 and 104. All whiskey is bottled without chill filtration.
Unlike many young distilleries that sell sourced whiskey while their own distillate matures, MB Roland proudly states they have never sold sourced whiskey. Early releases carried a young age statement, but as the years have passed, the age of their whiskey has increased accordingly.
So, where does MB Roland Distillery stand in 2025? Let’s find out.
MB Roland Old 2nd District Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review
Old 2nd District marks the second bottled in bond release from MB Roland, following the debut of Barker’s Mill. While Barker’s Mill features a wheated bourbon mashbill, Old 2nd District takes a different approach with a grain recipe of 78% white corn, 17% rye, and 5% malted barley.
The inaugural release of Old 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, each with a #4 char. The barrels were wood-fired using white oak trimmings from Kelvin’s production floor.
In line with the standards of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, Old 2nd District is bottled at exactly 100 proof. Prior to proofing down, the natural cask strength of the batch measured 107.7 proof.
The white corn drives the nose with a clear note of earthy polenta, quickly followed by a hit of apple juice. Dried apricots and tangy clementines bring balance and brightness to the initial profile.
On the palate, an earthy and less sweet honey steps forward alongside rich tones of dulce de leche. As the tasting continues, dried figs and orange zest develop, supported by a weighty mouthfeel that reflects the influence of double distillation on MB Roland’s Trident pot still.
The finish delivers a touch of spicy pink peppercorn, followed by more honey and orange zest. The structure holds together well, with each part flowing naturally into the next.
Old 2nd District highlights how much MB Roland has evolved since its early, youthful releases. The white corn and pot still approach give it a distinct personality that is somewhat husky and dusky. It’s a rewarding bottle that will be wildly appealing to many and bit too crafty to others. For me, it’s one I’ll be glad to finish and pass around among friends. 100 proof. B / $50
MB Roland Still and Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey Review
Batch 21 is made from a mashbill of 95% white corn and 5% malted barley. Although the label notes a minimum age of two years, this batch includes whiskey aged for at least three years, with some barrels matured for over four. In accordance with the standards of identity for corn whiskey, which require aging in either used barrels or uncharred new ones, Batch 21 was aged exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels—specifically, barrels that previously held MB Roland’s own bourbon, though not necessarily all from the same mashbill.
This release blends whiskey from both 53-gallon and 25-gallon barrels, producing a total yield of 687 bottles.
The nose opens with a clear hit of grilled corn on the cob, charred just enough to give it a smoky edge. Chai spice follows closely behind, adding a spiced character that plays well with the corn. Notes of fresh hay come through next, joined by a touch of orange peel. Typically, a fresh scent can suggest something underdeveloped, but in this case, it’s oddly compelling. The corn note stands out, but it doesn’t dominate.
On the palate, the corn shifts toward caramel popcorn and brown sugar, offering a slightly sweet, familiar flavor. Lemon zest adds a sharp contrast, while salted peanuts give the profile a more grounded, savory element. The mouthfeel is oily and quite satisfying, giving the whiskey a strong presence on the tongue.
The finish brings in a light dusting of cinnamon spice, followed by a combination that calls to mind peanut M&Ms. Just before it fades, a mellow note of sweet tobacco lingers and brings things to a close.
I didn’t expect much going in—corn whiskey is too often treated as a gimmick rather than something to take seriously. But this bottle challenged that perception in the best way. MB Roland’s Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey, aged just 3–4 years and priced at $46, delivers far more than its category typically suggests. It’s a standout pour and absolutely worth a try for anyone willing to rethink what corn whiskey can offer. 106.2 proof. B+ / $46
MB Roland Kentucky Straight Rye Review
Batch 19 is distilled from a mashbill of 68% rye, 27% white corn, and 5% malted barley. This release features rye whiskey aged for a minimum of three years, with additional barrels in the blend having matured for at least five years. The batch is composed of both 53-gallon and 25-gallon barrels, each charred to a level #4.
The nose opens with a crisp lemongrass note alongside the spiced sweetness of cinnamon applesauce. As it develops, there’s a shift toward a more dessert-like character, reminiscent of a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie, adding a layer of depth. It’s an enjoyable and well-composed introduction.
On the palate, peppermint candies and wildflower honey take the lead. The midpalate brings in canned peaches and a touch of black pepper, with a notably oily texture—likely a result of the pot still distillation. The finish carries over the peppermint, joined by roasted pecans, pickled ginger, and a hint of light brown sugar.
While the age statement isn’t especially impressive, the overall execution makes up for it. At $65, it feels just a bit above where it should be—$55 would be a more fitting price—but even so, it delivers enough character to leave a very satisfying impression. 107,3 proof. B+ / $65 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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