Behind Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary
Elmer T. Lee’s legacy at Buffalo Trace Distillery began in 1949, when he joined the then-George T. Stagg Distillery as a maintenance engineer following his service in World War II and graduation from the University of Kentucky. Over the next four decades, he rose to become Master Distiller, helping guide the Distillery through a transformative era of modernization and growth while shaping the future of bourbon.
A visionary ahead of his time, Lee fundamentally changed the American whiskey landscape in 1984 with the introduction of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon and a concept that helped pioneer the premiumization of bourbon. To honor his enduring impact, the Distillery introduced Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon in 1986, a namesake expression that directly reflects his commitment to careful selection and consistency. Its combination of craftsmanship, authenticity and legacy has made it a benchmark for both enthusiasts and collectors.
“For the first time, we’re sharing Elmer T. Lee Bourbon exactly as it comes from the barrel,” said Erica Bovard, Senior Brand Director, American Whiskey. “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.”
The Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition will be available in limited quantities via a new bottle drawing system, hosted by the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop, at a suggested retail price of $99.99 (750ml; local taxes and fees may apply).
Developed in response to consumer feedback, the Buffalo Trace Distillery Bottle Draw is a new system intended to make limited bottle releases more accessible and convenient for visitors. For the inaugural drawing, fans can register online from 10 a.m. ET on September 15 through 11:59 p.m. ET on September 17 for the chance to purchase a bottle. Entries are limited to one per person, and registration timing does not affect the odds of selection. On September 22, an independent partner will randomly select names, with all entrants notified of the results. Those selected will have from September 28 through October 11, to visit the Distillery during normal visitor hours and purchase their bottle. As this marks the first Buffalo Trace Bottle Draw, the Distillery will gather participant feedback to help refine and improve the experience for future releases. For more information or to enter, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/draws.
Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces the release of Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition, the first-ever uncut and unfiltered expression of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon. Debuting four decades after the original Elmer T. Lee Bourbon was released, this limited offering honors the legacy of one of the industry’s most influential pioneers and offers enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience this iconic whiskey in its purest form.
PLEASE NOTE
This does not replace the daily bottle rotation program at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. That’s still going and with more bottles planned than ever before! Visit their Product Availability Page.
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