A rare bourbon experience not offered for a decade returns as a charity sweepstakes, with each $100 donation serving as an entry to win the chance to select a personal barrel of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey.
Sazerac Barrel Select Opens Elmer T. Lee Experience to Public
Sazerac Barrel Select has announced that bourbon enthusiasts can enter for a chance to select their own barrel of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The winner will receive a VIP experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery, including a private barrel selection alongside Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, who trained under Elmer T. Lee himself.
“I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Elmer both at work and away from work, often listening to his many stories about the industry,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “It was a privilege to work with Elmer, and I understood that when I was with him. I’m proud to call Elmer a friend, mentor, and trusted advisor, and I’m honored to continue sharing his legacy through this charity sweepstakes program.”
The package also includes a one-night stay at Stagg Lodge, a behind-the-scenes tour and private lunch for up to eight people, plus $18,000 to purchase the bottles from their selected barrel.
“Elmer T. Lee is often called the ‘father’ of single barrel bourbon and for good reason – he’s the creator of both Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon and the original Sazerac Barrel Select program,” said Diego Bianchi, Sazerac Barrel Select General Manager. “The last single barrel of Elmer T. Lee was selected 10 years ago, and fans have requested this rare barrel offering since; some even reminisce about selecting barrels alongside Elmer. This is a fantastic opportunity to offer this brand to single barrel enthusiasts, and we are proud to once again support St. Jude.”
The sweepstakes runs from 8 a.m. EST on September 8th through 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30th, 2025. Each $100 donation equals one entry, with all donations minus transaction fees going to St. Jude.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Benefits from Bourbon Legacy
This marks another significant charitable effort from Sazerac Barrel Select, which raised more than $1 million for St. Jude through its 2024 Blanton’s Gold Charity Sweepstakes. The program has raised more than $4 million for various charitable organizations in recent years.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world leader in understanding, treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has helped raise survival rates from 20% to more than 80%. Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food, ensuring they can focus on their child’s recovery. Breakthroughs discovered at St. Jude are shared worldwide, helping doctors and researchers everywhere improve care for children.
Elmer T. Lee
Elmer T. Lee joined what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1949 as a maintenance engineer before becoming Plant Manager and Master Distiller. He created Blanton’s, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon, in 1984. Two years later, following his retirement, the distillery honored him with his namesake release.
According to official tasting notes, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon offers a nose of clove, vanilla and old leather. The palate balances fruit, honey and vanilla with light spiciness.
The winner will be randomly selected and notified the week of October 6, 2025. Registration and official rules are available at www.SazeracBarrelSelect.com/drawing. While the sweepstakes is open to the public, Sazerac Barrel Select membership remains free for those interested in quarterly drawings for other barrel selections.
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