Pembroke: MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting

Pembroke: MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting — A Practical Guide for Whiskey Enthusiasts

Imagine stepping onto a real working distillery on a former Amish Dairy Farm in Kentucky, for a close-up look at how craft whiskey is made. For just $15, you get a 1-hour experience that takes you through every stage of whiskey production—from grains to glass—plus a tasting of up to eight spirits. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, like the friendly Scott, who share both the technical details and the stories behind each batch.

What really makes this experience shine is the chance to see inside an operational distillery and visit the aging warehouse where barrels rest for over four years. We love how the tour combines education with authenticity, giving you a genuine taste of Kentucky’s craftsmanship. The tasting at the end, featuring up to two premium spirits, allows us to savor the flavors after learning how they’re crafted.

A possible consideration is that the duration is just an hour, so if you’re looking for a longer, more immersive experience, this might feel brief. Also, since the experience focuses mainly on the distillery process, those seeking a broader tour of Kentucky’s whiskey culture might want to complement it with other activities.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate hands-on, authentic experiences and want to understand the full process behind craft whiskey. It’s especially ideal for those visiting Pembroke or nearby Kentucky regions, looking for a practical, affordable, and memorable tasting experience.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: See a working distillery on a historic farm and learn about traditional whiskey-making techniques.
• Comprehensive tour: Covers every step from grain sourcing to aging in barrels over four years.
• Tasting variety: Enjoy up to eight spirits, including up to two from the premium selection.
• Accessible & flexible: Priced at just $15, with options for morning, afternoon, or evening visits.
• Educational & engaging: Led by knowledgeable guides, offering insights into both production and history.
• Family-friendly & wheelchair accessible: Suitable for a wide range of visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting

Visiting a Working Distillery in Kentucky

The first thing you’ll notice at MB Roland Distillery is how genuine and unpretentious it feels. Situated on a former Amish Dairy Farm in Pembroke, this distillery has an inviting, down-to-earth atmosphere. We loved the chance to peek inside a fully operational craft whiskey maker—this isn’t a tourist trap but a real working facility. Watching the stills in action and seeing barrels stacked high in the aging warehouse offers an authentic glimpse into Kentucky’s renowned spirit industry.

The tour is led by an experienced guide—like Scott—who shares clear, approachable explanations. He walks you through each stage, from grain selection to fermentation, distillation, and aging, making complex processes easy to understand without sounding like a science lecture. This approach makes the experience accessible whether you’re a whiskey novice or a seasoned enthusiast.

The Grain-to-Glass Process

The journey begins at the grain bin, where you learn about sourcing local grains. The guide explains how the grains are cooked and mashed, then fermented in large tanks, turning starches into alcohol. Watching the double-pot stills in action is a highlight; there’s something satisfying about witnessing the transformation from mash to spirit.

We appreciated the detailed explanation of double-pot distillation, a traditional method that enhances the spirit’s purity and character. The guide also shares stories about how each step influences the flavor profile—an important insight for anyone interested in what makes Kentucky whiskey unique.

Barrel Aging Warehouse

A tour of the aging warehouse is a standout feature. Walk down into the cool, dimly lit space where barrels rest for over four years. The sight of hundreds of barrels stacked neatly, each marked with dates and batch numbers, is impressive. The guide explains how aging impacts the flavor, mellowing the spirit and developing complex notes.

A reviewer noted, “Seeing the barrels stored for years made me appreciate the patience and craftsmanship involved in whiskey-making.” You’ll learn how factors like climate, barrel size, and storage orientation influence the final product, which adds depth to the tasting experience.

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The Tasting Experience

The tour concludes at the tasting bar, where you sample up to eight spirits, including two from the premium selection. The spirits are drawn from grain-to-glass, emphasizing transparency in the process. Expect to taste a variety of whiskeys and spirits, each with distinct flavors that reflect their ingredients and aging.

The tasting is guided, with an experienced host explaining the nuances of each spirit. Many visitors have remarked on the high quality and distinctiveness of the spirits—”The flavors were complex but smooth, a true testament to the craft,” one review reads. This part of the experience offers both education and enjoyment, making it perfect for both connoisseurs and curious newcomers.

Practical Details & Value

Priced at $15 per person, the experience offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of the tour and tasting. It includes a guided 30-40-minute tour and a 15-20-minute tasting session, making it a well-paced, manageable visit.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with English-speaking guides, and you only need to bring a valid ID or passport for check-in. The flexible scheduling means you can usually find a time that fits into your day—morning, afternoon, or evening. Since the experience is straightforward and intimate, group sizes tend to be small, enhancing the personal feel.

One potential drawback is the relatively short duration; if you’re after a deep dive into Kentucky’s whiskey culture, you might want to pair this with other activities. Also, the price does not include cocktails or gift shop purchases, so if you’re tempted to buy a bottle or souvenir, those are additional costs.

Authenticity and Educational Value

What sets this tour apart is its focus on authenticity. You’re not just observing but understanding how a craft distillery operates, from raw grain to finished spirit. It’s clear that the owners take pride in their process, and guides like Scott communicate that passion well.

The experience is especially valuable for those who enjoy learning about traditional methods and the stories behind spirits. Whether you’re a whiskey lover or simply curious about Kentucky’s famed bourbon industry, you’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a hands-on, genuine look at whiskey production. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-scale, craft spirits and want an affordable, insightful introduction. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers can all enjoy the tour, thanks to its accessibility and laid-back vibe.

If you’re nearby Pembroke or planning a trip through Kentucky’s bourbon country, this is a charming, educational stop that’s well worth the price. It offers a taste of local craftsmanship, a behind-the-scenes look, and a generous sample of spirits—all in about an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 1 hour, including the guided tour and tasting.

What is included in the price?
For $15, you’ll get a 30-40 minute guided tour and a 15-20 minute tasting of up to eight spirits, including two from the premium selection.

Can I taste all the spirits during the tasting?
Yes, you can sample up to eight different spirits, which showcase a range of flavors and styles.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the distillery is wheelchair accessible, and guides are prepared to assist.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just a valid ID or passport for check-in. No other items are necessary.

Are additional purchases available?
Yes, spirits and souvenirs from the gift shop are available for purchase if you wish to take home a bottle or memento.

Is this experience suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily a tasting experience, the tour itself is educational and suitable for all ages, but alcohol consumption is only for those of legal drinking age.

To sum it up, the Pembroke MB Roland Distillery Tour & Tasting offers a straightforward, authentic glimpse into craft whiskey production. It’s a great value at just $15, providing an educational and enjoyable experience that’s perfect for curious travelers, whiskey lovers, and anyone interested in Kentucky’s spirit-making traditions. Its focus on real operation, traditional methods, and quality spirits makes it a memorable stop, especially when paired with other local attractions.

If you’re after a relaxed, informative tour with a genuine taste of Kentucky craft spirits, this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: