Elmer T Lee Single Barrel Bourbon: The Coveted Tribute to a Legend, Now Nearly Impossible to Find

Celebrated as a tribute to the man who revolutionized bourbon with the single-barrel concept, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon remains one of the most sought-after and elusive bottles in the American whiskey landscape. While technically “for sale,” its availability is exceptionally limited due to discontinuation and allocation. Here’s what enthusiasts need to know about this legendary bourbon.

Current Availability & Purchasing Challenges (USA):

• Extremely Limited & Discontinued: Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel was officially discontinued by Buffalo Trace Distillery several years ago. While bottles still occasionally surface, it is no longer in regular production.

• Allocated Release: Any remaining bottles released by Buffalo Trace are part of their highly allocated system. This means distribution is extremely scarce and prioritized to specific markets and retailers.

• Where to (Theoretically) Buy: Finding a bottle requires immense luck and persistence:

  • Select Liquor Stores: Very few bottles might appear sporadically at retailers known for receiving Buffalo Trace allocations. Building relationships and frequent checking are essential.

  • Bars & Restaurants: Occasionally, a bar might pour a dram from a treasured bottle.

  • Secondary Market (Caution Advised): This is where most bottles now reside, often at prices significantly above the original MSRP (think $300-$600+). Exercise extreme caution: Verify authenticity, seller reputation, and understand legalities in your state.

• Online Availability: Virtually non-existent from reputable online retailers at MSRP. Secondary market listings dominate online platforms, again commanding high premiums and requiring careful vetting. Do not expect to find it readily available online.

Answering the “People Also Ask” (Google):

1. “How much does Elmer T Lee bourbon cost?” / “What is the MSRP for Elmer T Lee?”

   • Answer: The original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) before discontinuation was around $35-$45 USD for a 750ml bottle. Due to extreme scarcity and discontinuation, current market prices (primarily secondary) are typically $300 to $600 or more. Finding it at or near original MSRP is exceptionally rare.

2. “Is Elmer T Lee the same as Blanton’s?”

   • Answer: No, but they are closely related “sibling” bourbons. Both are:

     • Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY).

     • Made from Mash Bill #2 (Buffalo Trace’s higher-rye mash bill, estimated 12-15% rye).

     • Single Barrel offerings.

     • Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).

   • Key Differences: They are distinct single barrels selected by different teams/tasters, leading to unique flavor profiles. Blanton’s was the first commercially available single barrel bourbon (masterminded by Elmer T. Lee himself). Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel was created later as a tribute to its namesake master distiller. Blanton’s is also still in production (though highly allocated), while Elmer T. Lee is discontinued.

3. “Why is Elmer T Lee so hard to find?” / “Is Elmer T Lee discontinued?”

   • Answer: Yes, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon has been officially discontinued by Buffalo Trace Distillery. This discontinuation, combined with its legendary status (honoring the creator of the single-barrel category), its high quality at its original price point, and its use of the popular Mash Bill #2, has created extreme scarcity and collector demand. Any bottles released now are remnants of older stock distributed via strict allocation.

4. “What proof is Elmer T Lee bourbon?”

   • Answer: Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).

5. “What makes Elmer T Lee special?”

   • Answer: Several factors contribute to its legendary status:

     • The Man: Honors Elmer T. Lee, the revered Master Distiller credited with inventing the single-barrel bourbon category (Blanton’s) and shaping Buffalo Trace’s modern legacy.

     • The Liquid: It showcases Buffalo Trace’s excellent, balanced Mash Bill #2 (higher rye content than Mash Bill #1 used in Eagle Rare/BTAC) in its purest form – single barrel.

     • Taste Profile: Known for its approachable yet complex profile – often bright, fruity, spicy, and balanced, a hallmark of Mash Bill #2.

     • Heritage: Represents a direct link to a pivotal moment in bourbon history and one of its most influential figures.

     • Scarcity: Its discontinuation has cemented its status as a highly coveted “ghost” of the bourbon world.

Classic Tasting Profile (Based on Mash Bill #2 & Historical Notes):

• Aroma: Often features bright citrus (orange peel, lemon zest), ripe pear, honey, light caramel, floral notes, baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg), and subtle oak.

• Palate: Typically balanced and smooth, showcasing toffee, vanilla, apple, pear, rye spice (pepper, cinnamon), light oak, and a touch of mint or herbal notes. The 90 proof makes it very approachable.

• Finish: Medium in length, clean, and warming, leaving notes of spice, honey, and fading fruit.

Conclusion

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon transcends being just another whiskey; it’s a liquid tribute to a bourbon pioneer and a piece of modern whiskey history. Its discontinuation has transformed it from an accessible gem into a legendary, near-mythical bottle hunted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. While its original MSRP reflected its intended role as an excellent value sipper, the brutal reality of the current market places it firmly in the realm of rare collectibles, often commanding prices tenfold its original cost.

Finding a bottle at retail price is a monumental stroke of luck. For most, experiencing Elmer T. Lee will mean seeking it at a premium bar or navigating the complexities and costs of the secondary market. Its enduring appeal lies in its direct connection to Elmer T. Lee’s legacy, its delicious representation of Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2, and the poignant reminder of a time when such remarkable whiskey was readily available. It stands as a testament to quality and innovation, forever etched in bourbon lore, even as it becomes increasingly elusive on the shelf.