Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel is a liquid tribute to the man who revolutionized the bourbon industry. As the Master Distiller who introduced the world’s first commercial single barrel bourbon in 1984, Elmer T. Lee’s namesake bottling is a masterclass in balance. This expression captures the "soft, sweet, and balanced" profile Lee championed throughout his 36-year tenure at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
The High-Rye Distinction
Built on the coveted Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2, this single barrel release provides more aromatic tension and spice than its Mash Bill #1 cousins, refined by a sophisticated 90-proof delivery.
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Historic Pedigree: Originally selected by Lee himself as his retirement project in 1985, this bourbon shares its high-rye DNA with Blanton's and Rock Hill Farms.
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Single Barrel Integrity: Each bottle is drawn from an individual charred American oak barrel, highlighting the subtle nuances of the 10-15% rye content.
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Hall of Fame Heritage: A perennial favorite that honors Lee’s induction into the Bourbon Hall of Fame and his legacy as Distiller of the Year.
Sensory Profile
Nose: Vanilla, rich caramel, and citrus. Soft spice and honey develop with air, alongside faint floral notes and a clean, herbal rackhouse character.
Palate: Medium-bodied and approachable. Gentle spice and caramel transition into honey, dried fruit, and soft oak with a remarkably balanced mouthfeel.
Finish: Medium and elegant. A persistent closing of vanilla and seasoned oak with a sophisticated baking spice note.
The High-Rye Standard
Within the Buffalo Trace high-rye vertical, Elmer T. Lee sits as the "smoothest" sipper. It is often preferred by purists who find the 93-proof Blanton's or 100-proof Rock Hill Farms too aggressive for contemplative sipping.
"The technical successor to Lee’s vision of a soft, sweet, and balanced bourbon."
Technical Specifications
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY |
| Style |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Single Barrel) |
| Mash Bill |
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (High-Rye) |
| Age Statement |
NAS (Typically 8+ Years) |
| Proof / ABV |
90 Proof / 45% ABV |
| Format |
Individually Numbered Single Barrel |
| Bottle Size |
750 ml |
Collector Notes
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel has transitioned from a bottom-shelf staple to one of the most highly allocated whiskeys in the Sazerac portfolio. Since Lee’s passing in 2013, the brand has seen intense secondary market growth, with pre-2013 bottlings carrying significant premiums for vertical collectors. While it remains a permanent release, its availability is strictly limited, often disappearing within hours of reaching shelves. Every bottle offered here is verified for original seal integrity and pristine label condition. Authenticity is tracked through our provenance program to ensure the highest standard for the secondary market.
Recommended Serving
This balanced bourbon is best enjoyed neat or over a single large clear cube. Elmer himself was known to favor his namesake bourbon in a classic Old Fashioned or Mint Julep, as the Mash Bill #2 spice provides a structural backbone that holds up perfectly against bitters and sugar. Its 90-proof strength makes it exceptionally approachable for those seeking flavor without ethanol bite.
