Buffalo Trace Distillery has released the Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition, the first-ever uncut and unfiltered expression of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon. The limited release debuts four decades after the original Elmer T. Lee Bourbon and honors the late master distiller’s legacy.
Presented uncut and unfiltered, the bourbon is drawn directly from the barrel without dilution or chill filtration.
Barrels for the 40th Anniversary Edition were selected for their richness and individuality, and each is bottled at its natural barrel proof. Proofs range from 124.8 to 138.6.
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READ THE STORYErica Bovard, senior brand director for American whiskey, added: “By offering it uncut and unfiltered, we’re able to highlight the depth and character of the whiskey while staying true to the standards Elmer set. We think fans will love this release, and importantly, it’s one we believe Elmer would be proud of.”
According to the official notes from the brand, the bourbon offers apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut and honeysuckle, leading to a rich, chewy palate with crème brûlée-like sweetness and a long finish of toasted oak and baking spice.
The approach reflects how Lee evaluated barrels for Blanton’s selection, giving enthusiasts the chance to experience the whiskey as he would have.
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Lee joined the then-George T. Stagg Distillery in 1949 as a maintenance engineer, following his service in World War II and graduation from the University of Kentucky. He later rose to master distiller.
In 1984, Lee introduced Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon. The Distillery introduced Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon in 1986 as a namesake expression.
“Elmer’s legacy is something we feel and celebrate every day at the Distillery, not just in the bourbon we make, but in the way we approach our work,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “I was fortunate to learn from Elmer early in my career, and his guidance left a lasting impression on how I approach my work.”
The edition carries a suggested retail price of $99.99 (£74) for a 750ml bottle.
It will be available in limited quantities via a new bottle drawing system hosted by the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop. Fans can register online from 10am ET on September 15 through 11:59pm ET on September 17.
An independent partner will randomly select names on September 22. Those selected can visit the Distillery from September 28 through October 11 to purchase their bottle.
