Experience a piece of bourbon history with the Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel 90th Birthday Edition 2009. This exquisite 90-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, released to commemorate Elmer T. Lee's milestone, embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of its namesake, offering a refined and memorable sipping experience for connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet, showcasing classic Elmer T. Lee characteristics. Delicate notes of sweet corn and vanilla bean immediately greet the senses, gracefully intertwined with hints of dried apricot, subtle oak, and a whisper of baking spice—nutmeg and a faint cinnamon. There's an underlying suggestion of old leather and pipe tobacco, hinting at well-aged bourbon without being overtly heavy.

Palate: The palate is remarkably smooth and approachable, a testament to its 90 proof. It opens with a gentle sweetness, featuring butterscotch and caramel, followed by a pleasant warmth of toasted oak and a delicate spiciness. Stone fruit notes, particularly dried cherry and peach, emerge, complemented by a nutty richness, perhaps almond or hazelnut. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, coating the palate without being cloying.

Finish: The finish is medium to long, elegant, and exceptionally clean. Sweetness slowly fades, leaving lingering notes of soft oak, a mild peppery spice, and a delicate, almost smoky, warmth. A final gentle echo of dried fruit and vanilla completes the experience, inviting another sip.

About the Distillery

The Elmer T. Lee Distillery, though not an independent entity, is a special homage within the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Elmer T. Lee himself was a legendary Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace (then George T. Stagg Distillery), renowned for creating the world's first single barrel bourbon in 1984. This "Elmer T. Lee" label honors his legacy, representing his meticulous approach to selecting exceptional barrels.