MB Roland Distillery in Pembroke, Christian County, Kentucky is about to hit the auction block. MB Roland was one of a handful of the original craft distilleries to take flight in Kentucky and was one of the early destinations on the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. After 18 years making distilled spirits in Kentucky, home to 95% of the world’s bourbon production, Co-Founders Paul Tomaszewski and his wife Merry Beth Roland (as in MB Roland) have decided it’s time to retire and move on to life’s next chapter.
MB Roland Distillery to Hit Auction Block December 7th, 2026
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The MB Roland Distillery, a Turnkey distillery on 26 acres in Western Kentucky, is being put up for auction. The auction begins December 7, at 12pm and will close on December 14, 2026, at 4pm.
The distillery is located just off I-24 in Western Kentucky. The distillery sits just over a mile off the interstate and less than 10 miles from Fort Campbell, home to the 101st Airborne Division totaling 30k active-duty military personnel with a total supported population of nearly a quarter million people. I-24 will soon be home to Kentucky’s third Buc-ee’s, the gas station chain known for 100+ gas pumps, clean bathrooms, BBQ sandwiches, and of course beaver nuts. Don’t underestimate Beaver Fever, it’s as real as it gets. According to KentuckyToday Buc-ee’s purchased the property in mid-2025 and is expected to open in 2029. Grok estimates the average Buc-ee’s story typically gets around 10,000–15,000 people per day, with many large locations averaging closer to 14,000–15,000.
On a side note, Fort Campbell, is also the former home base of another famous team that operates another Kentucky distillery. Fort Campbell was home to the team at Horse Solder Bourbon, who recently opened their own distillery in Somerset, Kentucky, near Lake Cumberland.
The story of MB Roland Distillery began in 2007 when Paul Tomaszewski was brought to Kentucky via Fort Campbell while serving in the US Army. Born and raised in the New Orleans area, Paul gained an appreciation for Kentucky Bourbon’s historical ties to Louisiana. Paul met and married Merry Beth Roland (MB Roland) and came up with the novel idea to open a pre-Prohibition style distillery. As business partners, Paul and Merry Beth purchased an Amish dairy farm near Pembroke in Christian County, amongst the rolling fields known to be some of the best farmland in the Commonwealth and opened MB Rolland Distillery in 2009.
“For 18 years, MB Roland Distillery has been proud to be one of Kentucky’s pioneering craft distilleries, helping shape the state’s craft distilling movement. We’ve worked alongside fellow distillers and industry leaders to advance legislation and build a stronger future for Kentucky’s distilling industry. We’re proud of what we’ve built and look forward to finding the right new owner to take MB Roland to the next level and ensure its legacy continues for generations to come,” said Paul Tomaszewski, Co-founder, MB Roland Distillery.
What’s Included in the MB Roland Distillery Offering?
The offering includes the operating business and the full 26-acre property: the 10-acre distillery campus and adjoining 16-acre undeveloped land. The distillery has operated since 2009, was founded by Paul and Merry Beth Tomaszewski, and is a member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and the Stateline Whiskey Tour.
- Turnkey operation: a working distillery with a primary tasting room and a secondary tasting room in Cave City, KY, a trained team, and an established Harvest Host location.
- Brand portfolio: MB Roland, Dark Fired, Barker’s Mill, Old 2nd District, Kentucky Pink Lemonade, St. Elmo’s Fire, and numerous others along with the recipes behind them.
- Distribution: relationships with nine distributors across 17 markets, the option to self-distribute in Kentucky, and online sales reaching 45 states.
- Aging inventory: a barrel program with a history of use across multiple blends and of selling at a premium.
- Transition support: the owners are willing to assist with the transfer of operations for up to six months.
The property has no restrictive zoning and has utility improvements in place, which leaves room for expansion. Buyers could continue the distillery, build a hospitality or agritourism venue, or return part of the acreage to farm or other commercial use. A state tourism grant of more than $500,000 is also available for up to two years, subject to the program’s terms.
How the Sale of MB Roland Distillery Will Work
The business and real estate will be offered together via online auction on December 7th – 14th, with Bolinger Real Estate & Auction conducting the sale. Initial information about the distillery and property can be downloaded here. Qualified buyers who want to learn more will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement to receive a full information package, including financial and production details, and may schedule a confidential on-site tour. Information about the sale can be found at the Bolinger Real Estate & Auction website here.
Founded in 2009, MB Roland Distillery is a grain-to-glass craft distillery in Pembroke, Kentucky. It has been a longtime member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and the Stateline Whiskey Tour.
Donald Snyder of Time and Tasks LLC is serving as business consultant to the MB Roland team on the transaction. Time and Tasks is not a licensed auction company or real estate brokerage, all inquiries should be directed to Bolinger Real Estate & Auction.
Learn more about MB Roland Distillery.
View all Kentucky Distilleries.
View all US Distilleries.
The MB Roland Distillery Origin Story
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