On Day Fifteen of the 30 Days of Bourbon, I made an unplanned stop at one of my favorite distilleries—MB Roland in Pembroke, Kentucky. My morning started with a scuba dive in a quarry in Hopkinsville, and since Pembroke isn’t far off the route back home, I couldn’t resist the chance to see what new discoveries awaited at MB Roland. There are always new things to explore here, and today was no exception. I came across a selection of single barrels, and one of them—aptly named the Hot Fuzz Barrel—became my pour for the day.
MB Roland Distillery was founded in 2009 by Paul and Merry Beth Tomaszewski as a grain-to-glass operation, using locally grown grains from Christian County, Kentucky. They take a hands-on approach to every step of the whiskey-making process, from milling to distillation to aging. Their use of a sweet mash process rather than the more common sour mash sets them apart, allowing for a unique and robust flavor profile in their whiskeys. The distillery is known for its bold flavors and small-batch releases, making each bottle a true reflection of the craft and care that goes into their spirits.
The Hot Fuzz Barrel is a fantastic example of what MB Roland does best. This particular bourbon uses a mash bill of 78% corn, 17% rye, and 5% malted barley. Named after Edgar Wright’s 2007 film, it’s as lively and surprising as the movie itself. It kicks off with an almost cinnamon-like heat from the rye, which gives it a spicy edge right off the bat. As it opens up, it transitions into an earthy peach note that lingers through the finish, adding a layer of sweetness and complexity to balance out the spice.
It’s a wonderful barrel from Paul and showcases his knack for creating bold, flavorful bourbons that stand out. If you’re looking to try this one, you’ll have to make a trip to the distillery—there are only a few bottles left on the shelves, and it’s the only place you can find it. This is what makes visiting places like MB Roland such an adventure; you never know what unique gems you’ll discover.
Distiller: MB Roland Distillery
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 17% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Age: Unspecified (Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey)
Proof: 110.4 (55.2% ABV)
Availability: Distillery-only, limited release
