Pembroke: MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting

Pembroke: MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting

If you’re curious about how craft whiskey is made—especially in the heart of Kentucky—this MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting offers a straightforward look at the process, combined with some delicious spirits to sample along the way. It’s an experience that balances education with flavor, perfect for anyone wanting an authentic taste of local craftsmanship without spending a fortune.

From walking inside a working distillery to exploring barrels in the aging warehouse, we love that this tour offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a small-scale operation. The tasting component is a real highlight, with up to eight spirits available, including some premium options. The only thing to consider is that this experience is relatively short—about an hour—so if you’re seeking a more extensive or elaborate tour, you might want to look elsewhere. Still, for those keen to learn quickly and taste well, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for whiskey enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone looking for a practical, affordable activity during a trip to Kentucky.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Craft Experience: Get a real look at how small distilleries produce whiskey, from grain to glass.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Visit the working distillery and barrel warehouse to see the process firsthand.
• Tasting Variety: Sample up to eight spirits, including premium selections, at the end of the tour.
• Affordable Price: At $15, it offers good value for those wanting a concise, educational experience.
• Accessible and Flexible: The tour lasts about an hour, is wheelchair accessible, and can be booked with free cancellation.
• Educational & Enjoyable: Guided by experienced guides, including a detailed narrative about distillation and aging.

Exploring the MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting in Detail

The Setting: A Working Distillery on a Former Amish Dairy Farm

The tour takes place at MB Roland Distillery, set on a charming, rural former Amish dairy farm. This background adds a layer of authenticity and rustic appeal that’s often missing from larger, commercial distilleries. You’ll find that the atmosphere is both welcoming and informative, with guides eager to share their knowledge.

Guests are asked to check-in at the distillery gift shop, which makes for an easy start to the experience. The tour operates in English and is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors.

What the Tour Covers: From Grain to Glass

The backbone of this experience is the comprehensive look at how craft whiskey is created. The guide walks you through each step, beginning with the sourcing of grains—something that’s often overlooked but essential to understanding the unique flavor profiles of small-batch spirits. You’ll learn how the grains are cooked and fermented, with insights into the double-pot distillation process that’s characteristic of this distillery.

Guests often comment that their guide, often a seasoned professional, is enthusiastic and knowledgeable. One reviewer noted that the guide’s storytelling makes the process engaging, even if you’re new to distillation. Expect to see the actual equipment in action, with some visitors remarking that seeing inside a working distillery added a layer of authenticity to the experience.

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The Barrel Warehouse: Aging Secrets

A highlight of the tour is the walk down to the aging warehouse, where barrels rest for over four years. This part of the experience provides a tangible sense of how aging affects the flavor—an essential aspect of craft whiskey. Viewing the barrels up close, visitors can appreciate the size and craftsmanship that go into each one.

Guests have shared that the warehouse visit is surprisingly intimate; you get to see the barrels close up and even learn about the specific aging conditions that impact flavor development. It’s a quiet, contemplative moment that connects you directly to the craft.

The Tasting Bar: A Flavor Adventure

After the tour, you’ll move to the tasting bar, which is quite the highlight. For about 15-20 minutes, an experienced guide leads you through tasting up to eight different spirits. This includes a mix of grain-to-glass spirits and up to two premium options, so you get a good sense of the distillery’s range.

Reviewers often mention that the spirits are delicious and well-crafted, with one noting, “The taste was smooth and flavorful, clearly made with care.” The ability to sample from the premium selection adds a special touch, making this worth the $15 price point. It’s an ideal way for whiskey fans to compare different styles and appreciate the nuances of craft distilling.

Practicalities and What’s Not Included

The tour lasts around one hour—a perfect length for a quick but comprehensive experience. It’s scheduled in the morning, afternoon, or evening, with flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Keep in mind that cocktails or any additional gift shop purchases are not included—so if you fall in love with a particular spirit, be prepared to buy it separately. The experience is best for those who want a straightforward, educational tasting without any pressure to purchase extras.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an affordable, authentic glimpse into Kentucky’s whiskey craftsmanship. It’s especially good for those who appreciate small distilleries and want a behind-the-scenes look that larger tours might miss. The price, duration, and guided experience make it accessible for most travelers, including families and solo explorers.

The visit is also quite practical: it’s wheelchair accessible, requires only a passport or ID for check-in, and can be booked with flexible payment options. Plus, the fact that it operates in English means it’s suitable for most visitors.

What You Might Miss

If you’re searching for a longer, more extensive tour with more elaborate tastings or a focus on cocktail-making, this might feel a bit light. Also, since it’s a shorter experience, those wanting a deep dive into whiskey history or a tasting of dozens of spirits might prefer larger distillery tours.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most?

This tour is perfect for whiskey enthusiasts eager to see the craft behind small-batch spirits. It’s also great for travelers who want a quick, informative activity without spending hours or a lot of money. Families or groups with varying ages—especially those interested in authentic, locally-made spirits—will find this a worthwhile stop. And if you’re curious about how whiskey develops from grain to glass, this tour offers genuine insights wrapped in a friendly, approachable package.

The Sum Up

The MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting offers a straightforward, well-priced introduction to craft whiskey making in Kentucky. You’ll see the process in action, walk through barrels that age for years, and enjoy tasting a diverse selection of spirits—all within about an hour. It’s especially valuable for those interested in small-scale, authentic craftsmanship, and it provides enough detail to satisfy the curious without feeling overwhelming.

While it’s not a massive or deeply detailed tour, it delivers a genuine connection to the craft and a chance to taste some truly well-made spirits. The experience’s affordability and accessibility make it a smart choice for travelers looking to add a meaningful, flavorful stop to their Kentucky itinerary.

In short, this tour is ideal for whiskey lovers, casual explorers, and anyone wanting a practical look into Kentucky’s famous distilling heritage. It’s a no-fuss, educational, and tasty activity that reveals the care and skill that go into each bottle.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately one hour, including the visit to the distillery and the tasting session.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll experience a 30-40 minute guided tour of the distillery, visiting the production areas and aging warehouse, followed by a 15-20 minute guided tasting of up to eight spirits.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the distillery is wheelchair accessible, making it possible for most visitors to enjoy the experience.

What should I bring?
Bring a passport or ID card for check-in, as identification is required.

Are there options for additional purchases?
Additional gift shop items and cocktails are not included in the tour price, so be prepared to purchase any spirits you want to take home.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

You can check if your dates are available here: