This overview was initially revealed in September 2015, and up to date in December 2024. The reviewers ‘Ideas & Verdict’ haven’t been altered.
When Was Elmer T. Lee Bourbon First Launched?
Elmer T. Lee Bourbon was initially launched in 1984, not lengthy after Elmer had debuted Blanton’s Single Barrel. Immediately, the expression is launched sporadically to nice demand, and sells out in a short time.
The Drawback With Worth
As with many releases from Buffalo Hint Distillery, the producer suggests pricing this bourbon at an accessible worth level, on this case round $30-$40. Nonetheless, if you happen to can seize your self a bottle of this for $30, I salute you. Attributable to its restricted availability and excessive reputation, the bourbon sells for a a lot larger worth on the secondary market, with costs various between $100 and £350 relying on the retailer. Mostly, you possibly can seize a bottle for round $200. It has earned the nickname, “one of the best $30 bourbon that $250 should buy.”
What Is The Mash Invoice Of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon?
Elmer T. Lee Bourbon is produced utilizing Buffalo Hint Mash Invoice #2. This mash invoice is a high-rye bourbon mash invoice which additionally options in different expressions equivalent to Historic Age and Blanton’s. Bourbon produced from a high-rye mash invoice usually boasts spicy and earthy notes equivalent to cinnamon, clove, and tobacco.
How Outdated Is The Bourbon?
The bourbon is no-age-statement. Nonetheless, it’s rumored that the whiskey is between 9 and 14 years previous.
About Elmer T. Lee
Elmer T. Lee was a distinguished determine within the bourbon trade, famend for his modern contributions at Buffalo Hint Distillery. Born in 1919 close to Peaks Mill, Kentucky, he served as a radar bombardier in World Struggle II earlier than incomes an engineering diploma from the College of Kentucky. In 1949, Lee started his profession on the George T. Stagg Distillery (now Buffalo Hint) as a upkeep engineer. He rose via the ranks to turn into plant superintendent in 1966 and plant supervisor in 1969.
In 1984, Lee launched Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon, revolutionizing the trade. After retiring in 1985, he continued to function Grasp Distiller Emeritus, receiving quite a few accolades, together with induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Corridor of Fame in 2001.
Elmer T. Lee handed away in 2013 on the age of 93, leaving an enduring legacy on this planet of bourbon.
Ideas & Verdict
A part of the enjoyable of turning 51 (as I did this month) is studying it’s not so dangerous to confess one’s ignorance. Age teaches us it’s smart to simply accept that nobody is aware of all the pieces, so why not simply snigger about and dig into that which we’ve got but to be taught?
A few years in the past, earlier than bourbon grew to become my favourite spirit, I heard the title Elmer T. Lee tossed about in spirits discussions. Again then, the one Elmer I might consider off the highest of my head was the cartoon buffoon, Elmer Fudd. And I’ve to confess that, as a Kentuckian, Elmer has a definite hillbilly ring to it, so I let free the notion of eager to attempt it anytime quickly.
However a lot as Elmer Fudd consistently pestered Bugs Bunny, this Elmer saved working its manner into conversations I had with severe bourbon drinkers. And never till a neighbor—who I found was a closet whiskey collector—instructed me that he had 5 circumstances of Elmer T. Lee in his basement did I turn into really curious. Discount consumers routinely maintain a case of rot intestine stashed of their basements for comfort’s sake, however for this man, additionally a collector of prized and vintage glass sculpture, to have 5 circumstances of what then was $35 a bottle whiskey, meant one thing.
I attempted it, however didn’t prefer it.
I cherished it.
And as my neighbor poured me extra, I kicked myself for assuming Mr. Lee was the advertising and marketing moniker for a model of “hick likker,” not the legendary grasp distiller at Buffalo Hint Distillery, and the creator of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon.
On my desk as I write it is a 2015 launch of his namesake bourbon, a 90-proof bitter mash magnificence that, even at for the $43 I paid for it (tax included and bought in Kentucky), tastes underpriced in comparison with its competitors.
