Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky

Gentle vanilla, caramel, and polished oak set an elegant tone in Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a classic expression defined by balance rather than brute force. Bottled at a restrained 90 proof and drawn from individually selected barrels, this bourbon showcases the refined, approachable style championed by its namesake. It stands as a quiet cornerstone of modern bourbon history, where precision in selection and consistency in character take precedence over excess.

Product Details:

• Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Owner: Sazerac Company
• Distiller: Buffalo Trace distilling team
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel, Sour Mash
• ABV: 45%
• Proof: 90
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed, commonly associated with Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (low corn, higher rye)
• Barrel Selection: Individually selected single barrels

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with soft aromas of vanilla cream, caramelized sugar, and lightly toasted oak, followed by hints of honeyed corn, dried fruit, and gentle baking spice. On the palate, the whiskey is smooth and well-integrated, offering flavors of sweet toffee, vanilla bean, warm oak, and subtle spice framed by a rounded, medium-bodied mouthfeel. The single-barrel format lends nuance and individuality, with some barrels leaning toward fruit and others toward spice, yet always maintaining clarity and restraint. The finish is clean, lingering, and quietly complex, marked by soft oak tannin, mild spice, and a lingering sweetness that invites another sip.

Producer’s Background:

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon honors Elmer Tandy Lee, one of the most influential figures in modern American whiskey. As Master Distiller Emeritus at Buffalo Trace Distillery, Lee pioneered the concept of single-barrel bourbon in the early 1980s, fundamentally changing how premium bourbon was produced and perceived. His philosophy emphasized balance, barrel selection, and drinkability, principles that continue to guide the creation of this bourbon today. Under the ownership of the Sazerac Company, Buffalo Trace maintains Lee’s legacy through careful barrel stewardship and disciplined production practices.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve neat at approximately 60 to 65°F in a Glencairn or tulip glass to highlight its subtle aromatics and refined structure. A small splash of water can further open notes of vanilla and spice. Elmer T. Lee also performs beautifully in classic bourbon cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where its balance and moderate proof provide elegance without overpowering other elements.