Elmer T Lee Bourbon 750ML

Elmer T. Lee Bourbon 750ML is a single barrel sour mash straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Named after the man who pioneered the commercial single barrel bourbon concept in 1984, this expression earned Gold medals at both the 2013 Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition and the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Single Barrel Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Production & Heritage

Elmer T. Lee spent decades as master distiller at what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. In 1984, he introduced the world's first commercially marketed single barrel bourbon, fundamentally reshaping how the industry thought about premium whiskey. This bourbon is built on Buffalo Trace's Mashbill #2, known for its exceptionally high rye content, and each bottle is drawn from a single hand-selected barrel rather than blended across multiple casks. Even after his retirement, Elmer T. Lee personally selected barrels for this expression until his passing in 2013. His contributions earned him Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Whisky Advocate in 2002 and Whisky Magazine in 2012.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with rich vanilla and warm caramel before revealing deeper layers of clove and old leather. A sweet honey undertone ties the bouquet together with inviting warmth.

Taste: The entry is smooth and honeyed, giving way to a mid-palate where fruit and vanilla mingle with light spiciness from that high-rye grain bill. As the bourbon develops, spicy cinnamon and robust oak emerge, followed by a subtle touch of dark chocolate that adds depth and complexity.

Finish: The finish is long and warm, with lingering oak and baking spice slowly fading. Gentle sweetness from vanilla and caramel carries through to the very end.

How to Drink Elmer T. Lee

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal way to experience each barrel's individual character — the added water opens up the honey and clove aromatics beautifully. A single large ice cube also works well without overwhelming the 90-proof backbone. For cocktails, the high-rye spice and vanilla sweetness make it versatile: an Old Fashioned lets the caramel and oak character shine against a simple sugar and bitters backdrop; a Boulevardier plays the bourbon's dark chocolate and cinnamon notes against Campari's bitterness; and a Whiskey Sour highlights the fruit and honey qualities with bright citrus contrast.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates allocated and hard-to-find bottles
• Adding a cornerstone single barrel expression to a whiskey collection
• Celebrating a milestone occasion with a historically significant bourbon
• Side-by-side tasting sessions comparing single barrel expressions from Buffalo Trace

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Elmer T. Lee taste like? Elmer T. Lee delivers a balanced profile of vanilla, honey, and fruit layered with spicy cinnamon, robust oak, and a hint of dark chocolate. Whiskey Advocate has described the flavor as "elegant and complex."

How does Elmer T. Lee compare to Blanton's Single Barrel? Both are single barrel bourbons produced at Buffalo Trace using the same high-rye Mashbill #2 and aged for a similar duration of roughly five to seven years. Elmer T. Lee generally presents as slightly softer and more honey-forward, while Blanton's tends to emphasize bolder caramel and spice notes, though barrel-to-barrel variation means each bottle is unique.

Is Elmer T. Lee good for sipping neat? At 90 proof, it sits at an approachable strength that rewards neat sipping, allowing the single barrel character and high-rye complexity to come through without excessive heat. A few drops of water further open the aromatics.

Where is Elmer T. Lee made? Elmer T. Lee is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. The distillery sits along the Kentucky River in the heart of bourbon country.

What foods pair well with Elmer T. Lee? Smoked brisket complements the oak and spice; dark chocolate truffles echo the bourbon's cocoa undertones; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the vanilla sweetness; pecan pie mirrors the caramel and honey notes; and charcuterie with dried fruit highlights the bourbon's fruity mid-palate.

What sizes does Elmer T. Lee come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed size for this expression.

Is Elmer T. Lee worth the price? Elmer T. Lee positions as a premium single barrel bourbon, and its limited annual production, allocated distribution, and historical significance place it among the most sought-after bottles in its category. The combination of Buffalo Trace pedigree, multiple gold medals, and single barrel uniqueness supports its standing in the premium tier.

Why Elmer T. Lee?

This is the bourbon that started the single barrel movement. When Elmer T. Lee hand-selected the first commercial single barrel release in 1984, he created an entirely new category that dozens of distilleries now emulate. Built on Buffalo Trace's high-rye Mashbill #2, each bottle carries the distinct fingerprint of its individual barrel — no two are exactly alike. Gold medals from both the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validate what bourbon collectors already know: this is one of the most historically important and consistently rewarding American whiskeys produced today.