Elmer Whiskey usually refers to Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, a premium Kentucky straight bourbon made by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is known for its smooth balance of fruit, honey, vanilla, and light spice.
This guide explains what Elmer Whiskey is, how it tastes, what it costs, how to drink it, and why it has become one of the most sought-after single-barrel bourbons in the world.
What Is Elmer Whiskey?
Elmer Whiskey is the common shorthand for Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon. Buffalo Trace introduced the bourbon in 1986 to honor Elmer T. Lee, the distillery’s former master distiller.
The whiskey is a Kentucky straight bourbon and is bottled at 90 proof, or 45% alcohol by volume. Each bottle comes from a single barrel, which means the flavor can vary slightly from one release to another.
Elmer T. Lee was one of the most respected figures in American whiskey. Under his leadership, Buffalo Trace helped shape the modern single-barrel bourbon category, and the bourbon that carries his name remains closely tied to his standards.
Elmer Whiskey Taste Profile
Elmer Whiskey is often described as balanced, approachable, and refined. It is not overly smoky or aggressively spicy, which makes it a strong choice for both new bourbon drinkers and experienced collectors.
According to Buffalo Trace, the nose offers clove, vanilla, and old leather. On the palate, you get fruit, honey, and vanilla, followed by a light spiciness and a long, warm finish.
Recent tasting notes also highlight caramel, toasted oak, stone fruit, apricot, and baking spices. The finish is generally long, with a mix of sweetness and gentle oak spice.
Flavor notes at a glance
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Aroma: Clove, vanilla, old leather
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Palate: Fruit, honey, vanilla, light spice
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Finish: Long, warm, lightly oaky
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Proof: 90 proof / 45% ABV
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Style: Single-barrel Kentucky straight bourbon
Is Elmer Whiskey a Single Barrel Bourbon?
Yes. Elmer T. Lee is a true single-barrel bourbon. That means the whiskey in each bottle comes from one selected barrel rather than being blended from many barrels.
This matters because every barrel ages differently. One bottle may lean slightly more toward vanilla and honey, while another may show more oak, spice, or dried fruit. That variation is part of the appeal for bourbon fans who enjoy comparing bottles.
Elmer Whiskey uses Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2, the same high-rye recipe associated with Blanton’s Bourbon. The exact mash-bill recipe is not publicly disclosed, but it is widely described as a higher-rye bourbon recipe.
How Much Does Elmer Whiskey Cost?
The price of Elmer Whiskey depends heavily on where you buy it and how limited the bottle is.
Recent industry coverage lists the suggested retail price for the standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon at about $80 for a 750 ml bottle in 2026. Older references often cite a lower original suggested price, but current allocation and demand have pushed retail pricing higher.
Because Elmer Whiskey is produced in limited quantities, it is often difficult to find at standard retail. Specialty retailers and resale listings may charge $150 to $250 or more, depending on availability and market conditions.
Typical price ranges
| Purchase type | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Standard retail, when available | Around $80 per 750 ml bottle |
| Specialty retailer | Often $150–$250+ |
| Collector or resale market | Can exceed standard retail substantially |
Prices change frequently. Always check the bottle size, seller reputation, shipping rules, and local taxes before buying.
Why Is Elmer Whiskey Hard to Find?
Elmer Whiskey is hard to find because it is an allocated bourbon. Buffalo Trace releases limited quantities, and demand from collectors, bars, and bourbon enthusiasts often exceeds supply.
The bourbon’s reputation also plays a role. It is closely connected to Elmer T. Lee’s legacy, Buffalo Trace’s highly regarded portfolio, and the popularity of single-barrel bourbon. As a result, bottles can sell out quickly when they reach store shelves.
If you see Elmer Whiskey at a fair retail price, it is usually worth considering, provided you are buying from a licensed and reputable seller.
Elmer Whiskey vs. Blanton’s
Elmer Whiskey and Blanton’s are related because both use Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2. However, they are different products with different personalities.
| Feature | Elmer T. Lee | Blanton’s |
|---|---|---|
| Producer | Buffalo Trace Distillery | Buffalo Trace Distillery |
| Style | Single-barrel bourbon | Single-barrel bourbon |
| Proof | 90 proof / 45% ABV | Varies by release |
| Flavor direction | Fruit, honey, vanilla, light spice | Often richer, spicier, and more oak-forward |
| Availability | Highly allocated | Highly allocated |
If you prefer a smoother, more balanced pour, Elmer Whiskey is often the easier choice. If you enjoy more spice, richness, and intensity, Blanton’s may be the better fit.
How to Drink Elmer Whiskey
Elmer Whiskey is best enjoyed slowly. Because it is bottled at 90 proof, it is smooth enough to sip neat, but a little water can open up additional fruit and oak notes.
Best ways to enjoy it
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Neat: Pour 1.5 to 2 ounces into a Glencairn glass and let it rest for a few minutes.
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With water: Add a few drops of room-temperature water to soften the spice and reveal more sweetness.
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On the rocks: Use one large ice cube if you prefer a chilled, slower-sipping drink.
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In a simple cocktail: Use it in an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour, though many drinkers prefer to save it for sipping.
For the fullest tasting experience, avoid mixing Elmer Whiskey with strongly flavored sodas or sugary mixers. Its balance of fruit, honey, vanilla, and spice shows best when it is not overwhelmed.
Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition
In 2026, Buffalo Trace marked the 40th anniversary of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon with a special release: the Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition.
This edition is the brand’s first uncut and unfiltered, barrel-proof release. Bottles range from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, depending on the barrel, and carry a suggested retail price of $99.99 for 750 ml.
The anniversary release was sold in limited quantities through Buffalo Trace’s bottle-draw system at the distillery gift shop in Frankfort, Kentucky.
40th Anniversary Edition facts
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Type: Uncut and unfiltered barrel-proof bourbon
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Proof range: 124.8–138.6 proof
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Bottle size: 750 ml
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Suggested retail price: $99.99
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Availability: Limited, distillery bottle-draw
Is Elmer Whiskey Worth Buying?
Elmer Whiskey is worth buying if you enjoy a polished, balanced single-barrel bourbon with a strong heritage story. It offers a classic Kentucky bourbon profile: sweet fruit, honey, vanilla, oak, and gentle spice.
It may not be the best value if you only want an everyday mixing bourbon, especially at inflated resale prices. But at fair retail pricing, it is widely regarded as a premium sipping bourbon with a distinctive place in Buffalo Trace’s lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elmer Whiskey
What is Elmer Whiskey?
Elmer Whiskey commonly means Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, a Kentucky straight bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery.
What proof is Elmer Whiskey?
The standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is 90 proof, or 45% ABV.
Where is Elmer Whiskey made?
It is distilled and bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Is Elmer Whiskey age-stated?
No. The standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is non-age-stated, meaning the bottle does not list a specific age.
Why is Elmer Whiskey so expensive?
Limited production, high demand, single-barrel selection, and collector interest all contribute to higher prices.
Is Elmer Whiskey the same as Blanton’s?
No. Both are Buffalo Trace single-barrel bourbons associated with Mash Bill #2, but they are separate brands with different flavor profiles and availability.
