BourbonBlog.com takes you to Pembroke, Kentucky interviewing MB Roland Distillery’s founder and head distiller Paul Tomaszewski in the podcast above. These moonshines go places that few dare to go while their whiskeys impress us considering the short period of time small craft distillery has been at it.

Our reviews of MB Roland’s one of a kind moonshines and whiskeys below. Among the highlights: Black Dog Corn Whiskey which is made by “dark firing” corn in miniature tobacco barn along with the tobacco.

This is the “Laphroaig” of moonshine.

Paul Tomaszewski, Header Distiller and Founder of MB Roland Distillery

They’re also flavoring some shines with real fruit like strawberries and lemonade AND producing an Apple Pie Kentucky Shine, Kentucky Pink Lemonade, and Kentucky Mint Julep Liqueur.

MB Roland is in Pembroke, Christian County, Kentucky (near Fort Campbell, KY/Clarksville, TN). Outside of Owensboro, Paul tells us that MB Roland is the first to open a distillery in Western Kentucky since prohibition.

Barker’s Mill Distillery was in Christian County in the early 1800′s to 1890. So this region already has distilling history under its “belt,” or shall we say “Pennyrile Parkway?”

MB Roland does not add water to their aged whiskeys, so all are barrel proof. MB Roland uses local white corn that is food grade, while some distilleries use distiller’s grade corn.

Let’s get to reviewing…

MBR Bourbon Review Review

For a distillery which opened their doors about 3 years ago, this is a damn fine Bourbon. Some small distilleries have a distillate-like flavor which make some of their whiskeys taste the same without speaking volumes on flavor.

Not the case here.

MBR Bourbon enters with a caramelized, candied-like flavor, marshmallows, black cherry, roasted pecans, and nutty. A lot is going on here to be as young a whiskey as it is. Finish expresses cooperage well with true barrel Bourbon flavor the distiller seems to be going for with no water added. There is a bit of rye in here which gives a hint of spice.

It doesn’t drink like 102.6 proof, with a nice degree of smoothness it drinks more at 85-90 proof.

We recommend you try this one as a great example of a blossoming Kentucky distillery making a Bourbon outside of Bourbon Country and making it well.

Our bottle says “Batch #6,” can’t wait to see how they progress in a year or two with growth.

102.6 proof (51.3 ABV)

MBR White Dog Kentucky Corn Whiskey Review

Buttery, bright and sweet nose. Some of those old-fashioned popcorn aromas which are a common mark on a good white dog. The higher quality of corn makes the difference here.

The finish is rounded, deep with corn and gives way to a robust sweet mash. A very fine white dog indeed!

90 Proof (45% ABV)

MBR Black Dog Kentucky Corn Whiskey Review

This one will be enjoyed by the adventurous and also Scotch lovers who have a fondness for Laphroaig. The nose has a serious fighting song that allures with cooked green vegetable, earthiness and smoke. The flavor enters with a smokey Kentucky BBQ flavor and rich mouthfeel. Enjoy Kentucky tobacco even in the non-smoking section.

As with any smokey spirit, it takes a few swallows before the sweeter elements can be appreciated. In the MBR Black Dog, they are well-balanced and crafted to the tee.

Perfect as a sipper straight, cold smoke on the rocks. Would be well-paired with filet mignon or even a hearty herbed salmon with cream and other seafood dishes.

90 proof (45% ABV)

True Kentucky Shine Review

This one is made in a similar fashion to rhw White Dog, except that sugar is added into the mash prior to fermentation (just like moonshiners do).

Has more of a punch than the White Dog, citrus qualities “shine” through while the corn and mash notes ar more restrained. Grain comes through as a compliment to the sugar on the finish in a pleasant way.

100 Proof (100% ABV)

MBR Apple Pie Kentucky Shine Review

It will make you ask whether you even want your sweetheart to bake another apple again pie or is it easier just to drink? Apple, baking spices, the whole package is here with backnotes of moonshine. Not to heavy on the sweetness. Approachable and easy to keep on drinking.  True Kentucky Shine is the base.

45 Proof (22.5% ABV)

MBR Kentucky Mint Julep Liqueur Review

No one ever said it had to have Bourbon in it, right? “White Dog” Corn Whiskey as the base plus real spearmint leaves makes this an authentic, ready to pour Mint Julep. Tastes like it was freshly muddled.

Bourbon can always be added later on, but not necessary as it drinks well as it with some ice. Finish has some stickiness and a little burn to it.

66 Proof (33% ABV)

Kentucky Pink Lemonade Review
Made with real strawberries and lemon juice, you may never know you’re drinking alcohol. Tangy, juicy with real flavor. Citrus and strawberry ingredients are so real you’ll get your hands and your tastebuds sticky just pouring it.

A fruity libation with a zing. True Kentucky Shine is the base.

45 Proof (22.5 % ABV)

MBR X Barrel Experimental Series, Ultra Black Whiskey Review

This is an experimental made with the “Black Dog” corn whiskey and aged. We have bottle #12 of #28, so it is quite a rare bottle. A limited edition which is not limited on the taste. Three words sum this one up real quick on the flavor: Kentucky BBQ Whiskey.

Hickory pit and nice spice. Ready for a smoke? Don’t light up, just drink this one.

48.7 proof (48.7) ABV)

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Click Below to Stream Interview with Tim Smith

Moonshiner Tim Smith interviewed by BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer who takes us behind the scenes of the Discovery Channel show Moonshiners this a podcast radio interview.

(Click to Play the audio podcast above).

We bring you this first interview of it’s kind with Tim Smith the week of the premiere of Moonshiners, which had 1.73 million viewers for the first episode, 3.2 million viewers for the 2nd episode. Additionally, the 2nd run of the first episode this past week drew another 2.2 million viewers!

For those of you who have been asking, “Is this show real? Are they really moonshining on Moonshiners and why aren’t they getting arrested?” we have a bit more insight for you from this interview.

In this interview, Tim also discusses the history of moonshine, why it is becoming a lost art, and shares his wisdom and stories.

Other real life characters in this reality type show include ABC law enforcement agent Jesse Tate and Tim’s team of “Tickle” and his son J.T.

At BourbonBlog.com, we are curious who YOU are rooting for and what do you think of the show? Post your reply in comments below.

Tim tells us he was working on the idea for this show for a long time. He also credits the birth of the show from others he met “at the right place at the right time.”

The last part of the inspiration for making this a show came when his father passed away. And around the same time moonshiners Barney Barnwell and Popcorn Sutton passed away.

Tim then believed this was his time to transition from being a moonshiner to legal moonshiners and distiller.

With this the new spotlight, and the goal of owning his own legal distillery and/or his own brand of moonshine, Tim invites you to visit his website TimSmithMoonshine.com .

We congratulate Tim, the complete cast, creators and producers on the success this new show. And Tim, we’ll look forward to tasting your moonshine!

In this interview, Tim Smith talks about his son J.T. and Tickle who also star on the show Moonshiners, Discovery Channel

Good guy or bad guy? You tell us. ABC Agent Jesse Tate is hunting the Moonshiners on the Discovery reality show Moonshiners

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

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3. New Maker’s Mark Master Distiller Kevin Smith in his first TV interview as Master Distiller

Featured in this video: Jerry O’Connell, Rebecca Romijn, super model Marisa Miller, Ashley Simpson, Pete Wentz, Tito, Marlon and Jackie Jackson, Salt-N-Pepa, Terry O’Quinn, University of Kentucky Basketball Coach John Calipari, Patrick Patterson, John Michael Montgomery, Taylor Dayne, Bode Miller, Maria Menounos, Allison Baver, and Diane Lane.

Special thanks to Cinephreak Pictures and Corky Coryell.

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Special thanks to Cinephreak Pictures, Kristy Buhr, GA Agency and Mike Willett. All photos by Jake Bilinski.

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