Elmer T. Lee

Elmer T. Lee

Introduction

This is another single barrel bourbon from Mash Bill #2 at Buffalo Trace. It’s known as the “high rye” mash bill, but it’s really only medium rye. It’s the same mash bill as Blanton’s, but it’s thought to be slightly younger, and it’s bottled 3 proof points lower. This bourbon was named after Elmer T. Lee, who was once the master distiller at what eventually became Buffalo Trace. He introduced Blanton’s as the original single barrel bourbon in 1984. His namesake bourbon was released later to honor him. At one point, Elmer T. Lee was reported to be at least 9 years old, but today it’s thought to be closer to 5 years old. It’s bottled at 90 proof. Ironically, Elmer T. Lee commands more on the secondary internet market than Blanton’s does. This is probably because it’s released much less frequently than its older brother. Does it deserve this overly inflated price?

Discussion

First off, let me say that Elmer T. Lee is a good bourbon. It’s a solid daily drinker, either neat or in a cocktail. Second off, let me say that Elmer T. Lee is the most overrated bourbon from Buffalo Trace. How could I say that? It sells out immediately, and it’s difficult to find without paying multiple times its MSRP. It must be amazing. Right? Well, it’s good, but it’s not great. It has some interesting green apple, pear, sherry and marzipan notes, but these are very thin. Overall, Elmer T. Lee is somewhat grainy. It tastes young, when compared to the amazing Blanton’s. Yet, it sells for significantly more on the secondary internet market. If you can get Elmer T. Lee at list price, then by all means, add it to your collection. However, this bourbon isn’t worth paying inflated prices. You can get much more enjoyment out of Blanton’s for less money. True, Blanton’s doesn’t offer any unique and interesting flavors. In fact, it’s quite ordinary, but it’s the most perfect example of an ordinary bourbon. The typical bourbon flavors pop with every sip of Blanton’s. Unfortunately, Elmer T. Lee leaves your taste buds a little flat. It’s not worth the money, unless you win the lottery or luck out with a drop at your favorite store. For that reason, I recommend pairing it with Sad But True by Metallica.