The Basics: 

Woodinville Distillery

North Carolina Single Barrel Select

124.12 proof

NAS

$70 MSRP

Nose:

Dark cherry, molasses, strawberry Dum-Dum lollipop, whipped cream cheese, and char.

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Palate: 

Cherry limeade, clove, oak, orange zest, anise, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and black pepper.

Finish:

Yellow Starburst, cherry cordial, leather, and slightly bitter

Final Thoughts:

This Woodinville Private Select barrel comes from the North Carolina ABC Board, clocking in at a hefty 124.12 proof. On the nose, a nice dark sweetness hits you, which is reminiscent of a classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar. The palate on the other hand has similar notes as the nose, but instead leans towards the cinnamon and black pepper spice as opposed to the intense molasses sweetness. Overall this pick is very enjoyable and offers a wide array of flavor notes. I am hopeful that as this one opens up a bit more in the bottle, the spiciness of the palate will become more subdued to allow the sweet notes to shine through.