LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 28, 2025) – Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS), Sazerac’s single barrel release program, is thrilled to announce the Elmer T. Lee Charity Sweepstakes, offering bourbon enthusiasts the exclusive opportunity to select a barrel of the limited Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. All donations, less required transaction fees, will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A Rare Bourbon Experience for a Worthy Cause
Each $100 donation serves as one entry into the sweepstakes, which includes SBS’s signature VIP selection experience—typically reserved for members only. The sweepstakes is open to the public.
“Elmer T. Lee is often called the ‘father’ of single barrel bourbon and for good reason – he’s the creator of both Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon and the original Sazerac Barrel Select program,” said Diego Bianchi, Sazerac Barrel Select General Manager.
Elmer T. Lee Charity Sweepstakes Winner Receives:
- A one-night stay in Stagg Lodge and a VIP, behind-the-scenes tour with a private catered lunch at Buffalo Trace Distillery for up to 7 guests (age 21+)
- A private barrel selection experience with Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley
- $18,000 cash prize, which may be used to purchase bottles from the selected barrel with personalized medallions
“I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Elmer both at work and away from work… I’m honored to continue sharing his legacy through this charity sweepstakes program.” – Harlen Wheatley
Sweepstakes Details and Registration
- Start Date: September 8, 2025, at 8am EST
- End Date: September 30, 2025, at 11:59pm EST
- Winner Notification: Week of October 6, 2025
- Entry: $100 donation per entry
- Registration Site: sazeracbarrelselect.com/charity
SBS and Its Commitment to Giving Back
SBS is a membership program offering individuals and small groups the chance to hand-select barrels from Buffalo Trace and other Sazerac distilleries. In 2024, SBS raised over $1 million for St. Jude through the Blanton’s Gold Charity Sweepstakes. To date, SBS has raised more than $4 million for charitable causes.
Membership is free and open to the public. Interested individuals can sign up for quarterly drawings on the SBS website.
Elmer T. Lee: A Bourbon Pioneer
Elmer T. Lee joined the George T. Stagg Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) in 1949 and rose to become Plant Manager and Master Distiller. In 1984, he introduced Blanton’s, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon. Two years later, he was honored with his own namesake release: Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey.
This bourbon is known for its balanced richness, with a nose of clove, vanilla, and old leather, and a palate of fruit, honey, vanilla, and light spice.
About Sazerac
Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies, with a portfolio of over 500 brands including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Weller, Fireball, and Southern Comfort. The company operates distilleries in the U.S., France, India, Ireland, and more.
Learn more at www.sazerac.com.
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
St. Jude is a leader in treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Learn more and support the mission at stjude.org.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, join our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Rebel Bourbon & NASCAR’s Richard Childress Racing Extend Partnership for 2026
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Launches Bold Packaging Redesign Across Core Portfolio
- New Riff Balboa Rye Review: A Creamy, Fruity Rye to Watch in 2026
- Exploring the World of Whiskey and Bourbon on Bourbon Lens’ “Thursday Thoughts”
- Maker’s Mark Unveils New Premium Bottle and Age Statement for Cask Strength Bourbon
- 366: From r/bourbon to Middleburg Barrel Company with Jay West (T8ke)
