Buffalo Trace Launches Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition Bourbon with New Lottery System

By /
Home » Bourbon Blog » Bourbon and Whiskey News » Buffalo Trace Launches Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition Bourbon with New Lottery System

This is the First Uncut, Unfiltered Elmer T. Lee Bourbon in 40 Years.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is marking 40 years of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon with the release of the Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition, the first-ever uncut and unfiltered expression of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon. The limited release is presented at barrel proof without dilution or chill filtration, offering a version of the whiskey that reflects the way Elmer T. Lee evaluated barrels during his career.

Lee joined the then-George T. Stagg Distillery in 1949 as a maintenance engineer after serving in World War II and graduating from the University of Kentucky. He eventually became Master Distiller and helped guide the distillery through decades of modernization and growth. In 1984, Lee introduced Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, which Buffalo Trace describes as the world’s first single-barrel bourbon. Two years later, the distillery introduced Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon in his honor.

“Elmer’s legacy is something we feel and celebrate every day at the Distillery, not just in the bourbon we make, but in the way we approach our work,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “His commitment to craftsmanship guided not only our future at Buffalo Trace, but it also helped set the course for American whiskey as a whole. I was fortunate to learn from Elmer early in my career, and his guidance left a lasting impression on how I approach my work. Releasing this rare whiskey in his honor is incredibly meaningful and a privilege for all of us at the Distillery.”

Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Bourbon Details

The barrels selected for the 40th Anniversary Edition were chosen for their richness and individuality, with each bottle presented at its natural barrel proof. The collection ranges from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, allowing for variation in character and intensity from barrel to barrel. Tasting notes include apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut and honeysuckle, followed by a rich, chewy palate with crème brûlée-like sweetness and a long finish of toasted oak and baking spice.

“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.”

Buffalo Trace Introduces New Bottle Drawing for Limited Release

The Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition will be offered at a suggested retail price of $99.99 for a 750ml bottle through a new Buffalo Trace Distillery Bottle Draw system. The drawing system was developed in response to consumer feedback and is intended to provide visitors with a more accessible way to purchase limited releases.

For the inaugural drawing, registration opens at 10 a.m. ET on September 15 and closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 17. Each person may submit one entry, and the timing of registration does not affect the odds of selection. An independent partner will randomly select names on September 22, with all entrants notified of the results. Those selected will have from September 28 through October 11 to visit Buffalo Trace Distillery during normal visitor hours and purchase their bottle.

Elmer T. Lee Legacy Continues at Buffalo Trace

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon will continue to be produced in limited quantities and released as individual barrels are ready for bottling. The 40th Anniversary Edition joins previous commemorative Elmer T. Lee releases including the 100 Year Tribute in 2019, Commemorative Bottle in 2013 and 90th Birthday Edition in 2009.

Follow & Subscribe To The Bourbon Lens

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.

Latest Bourbon & Whiskey News

Scroll to Top