Buffalo Trace Celebrates 40 Years Of Elmer T Lee Bourbon With First Uncut, Unfiltered Expression

Four decades after the first Elmer T Lee bourbon was released, Buffalo Trace has unveiled the brand's first barrel-strength Bourbon.

The 40th Anniversary Edition of Elmer T Lee aims to honor the legacy of an industry pioneer, as well as give enthusiasts a chance to experience the whiskey after it is drawn directly from the barrel without dilution or chill filtration.

The brand has said that the barrels selected for the 40th Anniversary Edition of Elmer T Lee Bourbon were chosen for their richness and individuality.

While individual casks display subtle variations in structure and character, the hallmark profile notes are said to feature apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut, and honeysuckle, balanced by a crème brûlée sweetness and a warm, lingering finish of toasted oak and baking spice.

After serving in World War II and earning a degree from the University of Kentucky, Elmer T. Lee joined the Buffalo Trace Distillery (then the George T. Stagg Distillery) as a maintenance engineer in 1949. Over a four-decade career at the landmark producer, he advanced through the ranks to become Master Distiller.

Lee reshaped the modern American whiskey landscape in 1984 with the creation of Blanton’s, a landmark release that spearheaded the industry’s premiumization movement. Two years later, in 1986, Buffalo Trace honored his pioneering legacy with the debut of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon.

Bottled between 62.4% and 69.3% ABV., each 750ml bottle has an MSRP of of US$99.99.

To improve consumer access, the limited Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition will be distributed through a new bottle drawing system at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop in Frankfort, Kentucky.

The updated digital draw directly addresses visitor feedback by offering a more convenient, equitable allocation process for high-demand releases.

For the inaugural release, enthusiasts entered the online drawing between Sep 15 and 17. Entries were strictly limited to one per person, with registration timing having no impact on selection odds.

Following a randomized draw conducted by an independent partner on September 22, all selected entrants could then purchase their allocated bottle in person at the Frankfort distillery between Sep 28 and Oct 11 during standard operating hours.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team