Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Release: 2020

Whiskey: Elmer T Lee

Region: Frankfurt , KY

Price: $45.00

Proof: 90

Age:  12 years

The Barrel Cellar Score:  93 Points

Review Date: 03/15/2021
About the Bourbon: Elmer T Lee bourbon is a single barrel sour mash bourbon made in tribute to former distilling master Elmer T Lee. This bourbon is made from Buffalo Trace’s mash bill #2 which is known to be a higher rye mashbill. Elmer T Lee is a limited release and a highly sought after bourbon, it is even more difficult to find than many of Buffalo Trace’s other sought-after offerings. I’d like to thank Paul Blough, who I traded a bottle to for the bottle I’m reviewing today,

I enjoyed the whiskey for this review using a set of Prestige diamond whiskey glasses.

Color: Amber

Nose: Cinnamon, dried fig, oak, butter cookies, vanilla, and raisin.

Taste: Milk Chocolate, orange citrus , dates, oak, black pepper, and hints of leather. Drop a couple of ice cubes and notes of chocolate cream and plum emerge, and the oak influence strengthens.

Finish: Sustained with notes of date, oak and leather

Assessment: This whiskey is everything a high rye whiskey should be, perfectly balanced spicy and sweet notes. The sweetness in this case is heavily reminicent of oven roasted dates resulting in a bourbon with a richness that is arguably unparalleled. There are lots of dark fruit notes making up the backbone of this dram. The bourbon is full bodied with a creamy texture. Oak tannins on the sustained finish add complexity that is the cherry on top of a decadent and very impressive bourbon.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Elmer T Lee is an exceptional bourbon. 93 points.

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