Corn whiskey is one of the least understood categories in American spirits, and MB Roland makes a serious case for it. It is a distinct legal designation, not a lesser bourbon: where bourbon requires at least 51 percent corn and mandatory new charred oak, corn whiskey requires at least 80 percent corn and must be aged in uncharred or previously used barrels. That single difference changes everything. Without heavy new char stripping and caramelising the spirit, what comes through is the grain itself rather than the wood, so a good corn whiskey tastes sweeter, softer and considerably more of the field it came from. MB Roland works out of Pembroke in western Kentucky, established in 2009, and distils this in a pot still from white corn with a small proportion of malted barley. White corn is the unusual choice. Most American whiskey uses yellow dent, and white corn gives a cleaner, sweeter, less oily character that suits this style particularly well. This is batch 21, bottled on the fourteenth of January 2025 at 53.1 percent alcohol by volume, 106.2 proof, and aged at least four years, which is a genuinely long rest for a category often released young. The label carries the whole record by hand: batch, bottling date, bottle number, exact proof and mashbill. Expect a nose of sweet corn, vanilla and light caramel with a faint grassy note, then a full, oily, notably sweet palate carrying cornbread, toffee and gentle baking spice, finishing warm and clean with lingering grain sweetness. Drink it neat, or with a little water at this strength.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
53.1% |
| Proof |
106.2 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Pembroke, Kentucky |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey |
| Expression |
Pot Distilled |
| Batch |
21 |
| Bottling Date |
14 January 2025 |
| Bottle Number |
172 of 687 |
| Mashbill |
White corn with 5% malt |
| Age |
At least 4 years |
| Distillation |
Pot distilled |
| Distillery |
MB Roland Distillery, established 2009 |
Tasting Notes
Color: Light golden amber, notably paler than a charred oak matured whiskey.
Nose: Sweet corn and vanilla lead, with light caramel, cornbread and a faint grassy freshness.
Palate: Full and oily with pronounced grain sweetness, carrying cornbread, toffee and gentle baking spice over soft wood.
Finish: Warm and clean, of medium length, closing on lingering corn sweetness and light spice.
FAQ
What proof is this bottle? Batch 21 is bottled at 106.2 proof, or 53.1 percent alcohol by volume, written by hand on the label alongside the bottling date of 14 January 2025.
What is corn whiskey and how does it differ from bourbon? Corn whiskey is a distinct legal category requiring at least 80 percent corn and ageing in uncharred or previously used barrels. Bourbon requires at least 51 percent corn and mandatory new charred oak. The absence of heavy new char means corn whiskey shows far more grain character and less wood.
Is it bourbon? No. It is designated Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey on the label, which is a separate category with different requirements.
Why white corn? Most American whiskey uses yellow dent corn. White corn gives a cleaner, sweeter and less oily character, which suits a grain forward style where there is little char to hide behind.
How long is it aged? At least four years, which is a long rest for corn whiskey, a category frequently released young or unaged.
Where can I buy MB Roland Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
