The Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition Uncut & Unfiltered Bourbon is a landmark release from Buffalo Trace Distillery and the first Elmer T. Lee expression presented directly from the barrel without dilution or chill filtration. Created to honor four decades of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, this limited-edition whiskey delivers natural barrel strength, distinctive character, and the rich complexity collectors expect from one of Kentucky’s most respected bourbon brands.
Bottled at its natural barrel proof, each bottle may vary depending on the selected barrel, with the release ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 proof. This barrel-to-barrel variation gives every bottle its own personality, structure, and intensity, making it an especially appealing choice for bourbon enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone seeking a more powerful alternative to standard Elmer T. Lee Bourbon.
Tasting Notes
Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Bourbon opens with expressive aromas of ripe apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut, and honeysuckle. The palate is rich and chewy, bringing layers of crème brûlée sweetness, warm baking spice, and oak. Its long, lingering finish highlights toasted wood and spice while maintaining the depth expected from a high-proof, single-barrel bourbon.
Product Highlights
-
Limited-edition Elmer T. Lee Bourbon release.
-
First-ever uncut and unfiltered expression of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon.
-
Bottled directly from the barrel at natural barrel proof.
-
Proof range of approximately 124.8 to 138.6 proof.
-
750 ml bottle.
-
Individual bottles may vary according to their source barrel.
-
Tasting notes of apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut, honeysuckle, crème brûlée, toasted oak, and baking spice.
-
Suggested retail price of $99.99, before applicable taxes and fees.
A Collector’s Bourbon With Serious Strength
Unlike the standard 90-proof Elmer T. Lee Bourbon, this 40th Anniversary Edition remains uncut and unfiltered, preserving the whiskey’s full barrel-strength intensity. That makes it ideal for experienced bourbon drinkers who enjoy exploring a pour neat, with a few drops of water, or alongside a carefully selected bourbon tasting flight.
Because it is a single-barrel release, no two bottles are guaranteed to taste exactly alike. The result is a more individual and authentic tasting experience that reflects the character of the barrel and the craftsmanship behind the Elmer T. Lee name.
Where to Buy Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Bourbon
If you are searching for where to buy Elmer T. Lee Bourbon, where to buy whiskey, or buy whiskey near me, availability may be limited due to the release’s small allocation and special distribution process. Buffalo Trace introduced a bottle-drawing system for this anniversary edition, with selected buyers receiving the opportunity to purchase through the distillery gift shop.
When purchasing, confirm the bottle’s proof, label details, fill level, and retailer authenticity. Limited bourbon releases are often sold through allocated spirits retailers, licensed whiskey stores, and verified secondary-market channels, where prices may differ significantly from the suggested retail price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition different?
It is the first Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon release presented uncut and unfiltered, meaning it is bottled at barrel strength without dilution or chill filtration.
What proof is Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Bourbon?
The release ranges from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, depending on the individual barrel.
Is this a single-barrel bourbon?
Yes. Each bottle comes from an individual barrel, so its proof and flavor profile may vary slightly from another bottle in the release.
How should I drink it?
Experienced whiskey drinkers may enjoy it neat first, then add a small amount of water to explore its aromas and flavors. Due to its high proof, sip slowly and responsibly.
Is Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Bourbon rare?
Yes. It is a limited anniversary release with restricted availability, making it attractive to both collectors and serious bourbon enthusiasts.
What proof is it?
Each bottle is its own single barrel bottled at natural barrel proof, ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 across the release. The exact proof varies bottle to bottle.
Who was Elmer T. Lee?
He was Master Distiller at what is now Buffalo Trace, and in 1984 created Blanton’s, the first commercially marketed single-barrel bourbon. His namesake expression debuted in 1986, and this edition marks its 40th anniversary.
Short Product Description
Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition Uncut & Unfiltered Bourbon is a historic Buffalo Trace release bottled directly from the barrel at natural cask strength. Ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, this limited-edition single-barrel bourbon reveals notes of apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut, honeysuckle, crème brûlée, oak, and baking spice. A powerful and collectible expression for enthusiasts searching for Elmer T. Lee Bourbon, rare whiskey, and barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon.








James –
Elmer T. Lee has an interesting history in American whiskey. Its single-barrel identity makes it a notable name for people who enjoy learning about traditional Kentucky bourbon.