The first-ever uncut and unfiltered Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel — drawn straight from the barrel with no dilution and no chill filtration, at natural barrel proof.
Four decades after the original Elmer T. Lee Bourbon debuted, Buffalo Trace released this 40th Anniversary Edition to honor the Master Distiller who reshaped American whiskey. Elmer T. Lee joined the then-George T. Stagg Distillery in 1949 and rose to Master Distiller, and in 1984 he created Blanton's — the world's first single-barrel bourbon and the release that launched the premiumization of the category. His namesake bourbon followed in 1986, built around the careful barrel selection he was known for.
For this edition, Buffalo Trace presents Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel as he himself would have evaluated it: uncut and unfiltered, straight from the barrel. Each barrel was chosen for its richness and individuality and bottled at its own natural proof, so every bottle carries a distinct character. Across the release, proof ranges from 124.8 to 138.6.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut, and honeysuckle.
- Palate: Rich and chewy, with a crème brûlée-like sweetness.
- Finish: Long, with toasted oak and baking spice.
Specs
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel — uncut & unfiltered
- Proof: Barrel proof, 124.8–138.6 (bottle-dependent)
- Age: No age statement
- Size: 750ml
- Release: 40th Anniversary Edition (2026)
Explore the full Buffalo Trace collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes the 40th Anniversary Edition different from standard Elmer T. Lee? It's the first-ever uncut and unfiltered release of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel — bottled straight from the barrel with no dilution or chill filtration, at full barrel proof, rather than the standard 90 proof.
- What proof is it? Each bottle is its own single barrel bottled at natural barrel proof, ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 across the release. The exact proof varies bottle to bottle.
- Who was Elmer T. Lee? He was Master Distiller at what is now Buffalo Trace, and in 1984 created Blanton's — the first commercially marketed single-barrel bourbon. His namesake expression debuted in 1986, and this edition marks its 40th anniversary.
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NOTE: Not Eligible for Return
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